Morning Session

9:30-9:50am

Learn about the role of TAs in the College of Letters and Science, the largest college at UW–Madison. We discuss how TAs impact student learning and explain the connection between social justice issues and good, sustainable teaching practices. 

Presenters

Lynne Prost is Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Academic Affairs. She directs L&S TA professional development and supports graduate students and programs in interpreting and implementing graduate affairs policy. Lynne holds a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Washington.

 

 

Danielle Clevenger, Gullickson Fellow, develops programming for L&S Teaching Assistants. A PhD Candidate in Philosophy, Dani is passionate about the transformative power of philosophy, especially as it relates to teaching and learning. Her research interests include the role of embodied cognition in learning, effective and equitable teaching practices, and philosophy of science more generally.

 

Orion Risk (they/them/he) is a PhD student in Interdisciplinary Theatre Studies and MA student in Gender and Women’s Studies, specializing in performance studies and feminist care theory. Most generally, their research explores discourses of care at the sites of gender, communication, and performance. Orion’s practice-engaged scholarship through the UW–Madison Center for the Humanities explores virtual theatre and care between transgender people during the Covid-19 pandemic. As a Project Assistant for L&S, Orion develops programming and communications to support TAs.

9:50-10:30am

Four presenters share compact, action-focused tips TAs can apply right away to support the learning of all students. Speakers will respond to questions online after the training event.

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Presentations

• Interrupting Ableism
• Using Canvas to Promote Equity
• Microaggressions in the Classroom
• Leading Inclusive Discussions

Presenters

Ruben Mota (he/him) serves as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator, collaborating and coordinating with university partners to ensure UW-Madison is continually striving for access and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. Prior to joining the Office of Compliance, Ruben worked on campus at the McBurney Disability Resource Center as an Associate Director for Student Services. Previously, Ruben worked at two international schools in Switzerland. Ruben enjoys reading, running, homebrewing, volunteering, and hanging out with his partner and their house rabbit.

 

Prisma Ruacho (She/Her/Hers) serves as the Social Justice Education Specialist for the Office of Inclusion Education. She has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Finance and a Masters of Arts in Educational Policy and Leadership Studies both from the University of Iowa. Prisma’s passion for student affairs began with her work in cultural centers as she worked to create a sense of belonging for students with marginalized identities at a PWI. Prisma previously served as the coordinator of the Asian Pacific American Cultural Center where she gained experience in student organization advising, supervising, student leadership development, advocacy, and campus programming. She loves helping students pursue their passions, connect with resources, and engage in critical reflection and learning. She loves visiting college campuses, reading fiction, listening to podcasts, and hanging out with her dog Leo.

Laura Schmidli is an Instructional Technology & Engagement Specialist with the L&S Instructional Design Collaborative (IDC). She collaborates with instructors to design learning experiences for students, including courses, assignments, and activities. Laura has an MLS from the Information School at UW-Madison. She started her career in the UW-Madison Libraries teaching research and information skills to a variety of students and faculty – from first year students writing their first research papers to engineering labs conducting original research. Laura has also taught first year seminars and courses in information management. In L&S, she continues to enjoy working with a variety of people and disciplines across the college on creative instructional projects.

Lynn Glueck is the Program Director for the Discussion Project, serving as project manager, curriculum designer, and instructor. Lynn brings a diverse array of skills to the Discussion Project after a twenty-five-year career in K12 education. She was a high school English teacher and then became a Library Media Instructor, after which she went into educational leadership and administration. She has been Professional Development Coordinator, School Improvement Administrator, for the Madison School District, and then became an Instructional Coach for secondary teachers. She has trained in Authentic Intellectual Work. She has an MA (UW-Madison) in English Literature and an MLS (UW-Madison) in Library Media Science. Additionally, she is certified as a Director of Instruction and Instructional Coach.

11:00-11:45am

Graduate students who are also TAs face specific concerns and pressures. These expert panelists address some common challenges, share strategies for managing them, and introduce campus resources to help to the semester. This session includes a Q&A.

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Presenters

MK Keran is Assistant Director of Writing Across the Curriculum, a UW program supporting creative and effective writing and speaking instruction at all levels and disciplines.

Elaine Goetz serves as Graduate Student Assistance Specialist, located in the Dean of Students Office. She provides graduate student support and assistance, acts as an advocate on behalf of graduate students, and provides outreach and assistance to the faculty and staff who support UW graduate students. Elaine assists graduate students with a variety of concerns by working directly with them and connecting them to appropriate resources on campus. Elaine is passionate about working with graduate students and facilitating their success throughout the entire course of their studies. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management from the University of Michigan and her Master of Education in Higher Education from Loyola University Chicago. Elaine is a self-proclaimed foodie and in her free time enjoys exploring new restaurants.

Mental Health Services, part of University Health Services, offers an open, safe, and confidential environment to help students through issues that may interfere with their development, well-being, and academic productivity.

11:45-12:30pm

L&S Teaching Mentors discuss their big teaching takeaways, what they wish they would have known when they first started, and where they go for support and then respond to questions from the audience.

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Panelists

Abby Letak is a dissertator in the Sociology Department and an award-winning educator. Her research focuses on mental health and wellbeing, specifically looking at self-care, neoliberalism, and cultural productivity imperatives. She has taught as both a TA and instructor of record for multiple courses during her time at UW-Madison, including “The Sociology of Mental Health,” which she designed from scratch. She is currently an instructor in the Writing Center, working one-on-one with students, leading workshops, and facilitating a graduate student writing group. In her free time, she enjoys co-directing a local dance company, spending time with her orange tabby cat, watching television, and crafting.

Danielle Nelson is a PhD Candidate in English.

 

 

 

 

Steven Moen is a third-year Statistics Ph.D. student with research interests in time-dependent data with applications to finance and macroeconomics. He’s worked in various industry roles in risk management, and he currently works as a statistical consultant for researchers in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Before coming to UW-Madison, he earned a master’s degree in Statistics and a bachelor’s degree in Statistics and Economics, and he is a CFA Charterholder. In his spare time, he enjoys weightlifting and playing piano.

Patty Lan is a dissertator in the socio-cultural anthropology department. She has been a teaching assistant and head teaching assistant for Anthropology 104, one of the campus’s largest lecture-style ethnic studies requirement courses. She also independently lectured for Anthropology 300, the theory and methods requirement course for anthropology majors. She is experienced with designing lesson plans for discussion-based sections and navigating politically complex learning material on race, class and gender. Her own research is on international development, education, and South Korea.