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  • Orientation

2025-2026 Graduate Student Mentored Teaching Orientation

Facilitator:

Center for Teaching & Learning Educational Development

  • Brown 100 or Zoom
  • These sessions are for first-time, graduate level Assistants in Instruction

Event Description

The Center for Teaching & Learning is pleased to host our annual university-wide Graduate Student Mentored Teaching Orientation for graduate students who will be serving as Assistants in Instruction during this academic year.  Our orientation program is a combination of asynchronous and synchronous sessions geared toward preparing you for your upcoming teaching role at the university.
During orientation, new Graduate Assistants in Instruction will:
  • Complete our orientation Canvas course where you will learn about your instructional role as an AI; essential policies related to teaching at WashU such as to Title IX, emergency preparedness; and what assistants in instruction can do to maintain a fair, safe, and inclusive environment for teaching and learning.
  • Participate in one online introductory Foundations in Teaching Workshop on topics such as effective strategies for active learning, facilitating discussions, classroom management, presentation skills, and providing feedback. These workshops will take place via Zoom.
  • Connecting with Experienced Graduate Student Assistants in Instruction: New AIs will have the opportunity to hear from more experienced AIs on what they can expect of the AI experience—e.g. how to communicate with faculty and students, what they can expect of WashU students, what are the typical responsibilities of AIs in different types of courses.
Orientation Program Overview
Connecting with Experienced Graduate Student Assistants in Instruction on Wednesday, August 20 at 12 noon
The CTL is hosting a hybrid panel discussion with experienced graduate student instructors from a variety of disciplines and departments on Wednesday, August 20 in Brown 100.  Hear from some exemplary graduate student AIs about what to expect on the first day of class, what has worked in the classroom, and how to juggle responsibilities as a student and an AI.  You have the option to join in person or online!  For those joining us in-person, there will be light refreshments and great teaching-related swag!  Or if you would like to join us remotely via Zoom, at noon central time, join https://wustl.zoom.us/j/92116571388
The Canvas Course
The orientation Canvas course features interactive video presentations on university policies and procedures on classroom instruction, resources and guidance that will help you with some of the most common challenges involved in teaching and supporting students.  The Canvas course will be accessible to you in early August.  You are expected to complete it, at the latest, by Friday, August 29. Plan to dedicate approximately 2 hours to complete the online course. I will send out a separate email confirming that you are have been enrolled in the GSTO Canvas Course.
Foundations in Teaching Workshops
(Register for one workshop; workshops will take place via Zoom)
  • Teaching as an International Scholar
    This workshop is intended for students who are new(ish) to teaching in the US and to the US educational system. Participants will learn about commonly reported experiences of international students teaching in the US, discuss general classroom norms and expectations in the US higher education system, and brainstorm strategies to navigate their role as instructors
  • Facilitating Group Work
    Educational research suggests that students acquire and retain knowledge most effectively by engaging in collaborative learning groups with peers. In this workshop, participants will practice and discuss strategies for effective implementation and facilitation of collaborative learning in an inclusive learning environment.
  • Grading & Responding to Students’ Concerns about Grades
    In this workshop, participants will learn how to grade effectively, efficiently and fairly, as well as how to communicate with students about grades.
  • Who’s in Charge? Establishing Authority in the Classroom
    Managing a classroom environment can be one of the more intimidating components of teaching, particularly when you are a first-time assistant in instruction (AIs).  In this workshop, participants will learn about the factors that shape perceptions of a new instructor’s authority and how that authority can be used to create and maintain an academically rigorous, productive and engaging learning environment.

If you are a first-time Graduate Assistant in Instruction and have not already received information from the CTL about how to register, contact Dr. Denise Leonard as soon as possible to reserve your space in the program!


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