Check In
8:15-9:00am
Check in at the lobby of the Sewell Social Sciences building (see map). Light breakfast food available.
Welcome
9:15-10:00am
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.
Dean of the College of Letters & Science
Eric Wilcots is the dean of the College of Letters & Science and the Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy in the Department of Astronomy, his home department since 1995. As of April 24th, 2023 Dean Wilcots is currently serving as interim provost at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Prior to assuming the role of dean, he served as deputy dean of the college and associate dean for research, as well as associate dean for natural sciences.
Dean Wilcots received his undergraduate degree in astrophysical sciences from Princeton University and his Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Washington
L&S TA Training & Support Team
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.
Inclusive Teaching Strategies
10:00-10:45am
Session presenters share action-focused tips TAs can apply right away to support the learning of all students. This session includes a Q&A.
Interrupting Ableism
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, home brewing, volunteering, and hanging out with his partner and their house rabbit.
Microagressions in the Classroom
The Office of Inclusion Education was formed in August 2020 to elevate and prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion for all students at UW-Madison. They offer a broad array of learning opportunities for students that contribute to their Wisconsin Experience. The Office of Inclusion Education, a part of Student Affairs, seeks to foster social justice in order to create a place where all Badgers feel like they belong.
Small Group Workshops
11:00am-2:00pm
New TAs:
Led by L&S Teaching Mentors, TAs participate in hands-on activities to explore important themes in teaching and discuss common classroom challenges and concerns. Lunch provided.
Returning TAs:
In workshops guided by L&S Teaching Mentors, Returning TAs reflect on teaching, draft either a teaching philosophy or a sustainable teaching plan, and practice approaching common teaching challenges. Lunch provided.w
Campus Support for TAs
2:15-3:00pm
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 during the semester. This session includes a Q&A.
Office of Student Assistance and Support
Elaine Goetz serves as Graduate Student Assistance Specialist, located in the Office of Student Assistance and Support. 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.
University Health Services
Val Donovan joined UHS in 2013 and enjoys working in college health because she wants to create a safe, healthy, and just campus environment that allows students to grow and flourish.
In her role as Assistant Director for Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention, Donovan helps advance and support upstream, campus-wide efforts for suicide prevention and mental health promotion. She works with campus and community partners to cultivate health-supporting policies, systems, environments, practices, and programs, for UW-Madison students.
In her free time, Donovan loves to cook (without following recipes too closely), and exercising. She is always grateful for a weekend spent exploring new parks, libraries, and museums with her kids.
Experienced TA Panel
3:00-4:00
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.
This session includes a Q&A.
Resources
Optional International TA Panel
4:15-5:00pm
Experienced international L&S Teaching Mentors discuss teaching at UW–Madison. This session includes a Q&A.