New TA Training by L&S
New TA Training by L&S is offered every Fall and Spring to the College’s 1500+ Teaching Assistants (graduate and undergraduate). TAs will leave the training motivated and equipped to be effective and inclusive teachers.
The New TA Training is strongly recommended for those new to their TA role at UW, or those who have been unable to attend a previous training. Completing both the online asynchronous component and the in-person training is recommended, but completing just the Canvas course is an option for those unable to attend the in-person training.
Fall 2025
New TA Training will take place on Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 8:45am – 4:00pm.
New TA Training Goals & Content
L&S New TA Training
The training will help TAs acquire knowledge, skills, and confidence to cultivate engaged, equitable environments where all students (and teachers!) can thrive as they navigate the challenges and joys of learning. To this end, TAs will:
- Be motivated and equipped to be effective and inclusive teachers
- See the benefits good teaching has for both you and your students
- Redefine good teaching as an activity inherently centered around students and their learning
- Apply effective and sustainable teaching practices
- Use proven strategies to create learning opportunities and environments where all students have a chance to thrive
- Identify essential policies and resources relevant to their TA role
- Build confidence in their own abilities to successfully navigate classroom challenges
- Connect personally with peers and an experienced teaching mentor
L&S New TA Training
Asynchronous Canvas modules, to be completed prior to the live training, include:
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- Intro to Pedagogy
- Canvas Basics
- TA Policies & Resources
- Future Training Opportunities
Live Training Components (Fall Training):
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- Welcome from L&S
- Campus Partners Panel
- Small group workshops, including:
- Hands-on activities to explore important themes in teaching
- Discussion of classroom challenges and common concerns
- TA Networks Session
Live Training Components (Spring Training):
- Small group workshops, including:
- Hands-on activities to explore important themes in teaching
- Discussion of classroom challenges and common concerns
Departments wishing to learn more about what is covered in the training can reach out to Lynne Prost for access to the Canvas materials.
Recent New TA Training
TAs unable to attend a recent in-person New TA Training may reach out to teach.learn@ls.wisc.edu to access the Canvas materials.
L&S Teaching Mentors Program
Teaching Mentors are the heart of New TA Training: they serve as facilitators at the TA Training events and provide mentorship throughout the semester. If you are interested in becoming a Teaching Mentor, learn more about the program below.