What is L&S TA Training?
We offer two strands of professional development for L&S Teaching Assistants:
- New TA Training
- Returning TA Workshops
Both strands offer two complementary components: an asynchronous Canvas course and an in-person training day.
L&S New TA Training 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 components is recommended, but some TAs may find just the Canvas course or in-person event best suits their needs.
When is the next training?
The next New TA Training and Returning TA Workshop will take place on Thursday, August 28th, 2025. Registration will open in late summer.
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
- Inclusive Teaching Strategies session
- Small group workshops, including:
- Hands-on activities to explore important themes in teaching
- Discussion of classroom challenges and common concerns
- Campus Support for TAs
- Experienced TA Q&A
- Optional International TA Q&A
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.
L&S Returning TA Workshop
TAs will:
- Identify personal strengths and growth areas related to teaching.
- Communicate and begin implementing a consistent, practical, and values-aligned teaching philosophy.
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Select strategies for prioritizing work and managing time.
- Practice incorporating new strategies to resolve common teaching challenges.
- Determine which Canvas tools to use to solve and prevent teaching challenges.
L&S Returning TA Workshop
Participants have a choice of small group sessions on teaching topics, including:
- Navigating Advanced Teaching Challenges
- Applying Your Teaching Philosophy
- Building a Sustainable Teaching Plan
- Facilitating Discussions
- Public Speaking for Instruction
Departments wishing to learn more about what is covered in the workshop can reach out to Lynne Prost for access to the Canvas materials.
L&S Teaching Mentors Program
What are Teaching Mentors?
The L&S TA Training & Support Team is responsible for welcoming and training hundreds of new TAs each year. Teaching Mentors are the heart of this crucial undertaking: they serve as facilitators at the annual L&S Fall TA Training event and provide mentorship throughout the semester.
How are Teaching Mentors selected?
Those selected to be Teaching Mentors (TMs) have not only a proven track record of excellence as educators, but also a strong desire to share their experience and mentor new TAs navigating their first year. Selected returning TMs serve as Lead Teaching Mentors.
The call for Teaching Mentor nominations publishes each winter. Selected Teaching Mentors are announced in the spring.
Recent L&S TA Training
TAs unable to attend a recent in-person New TA Training or Returning TA Workshop may reach out to teach.learn@ls.wisc.edu to access the Canvas materials.