teaching assistant development program

Fall 2012

basic information

The Teaching Assistant/Associate Development (TAD) Program is designed to provide new Teaching Assistants/Associates (TAs) with an orientation to ASU and the TA position and professional development throughout the first semester of appointment. The role of the TA varies widely across campus and the TAD program seeks to meet the needs of each TA by providing development that can be customized to meet individual needs. The Arizona Board of Regents requires all new TAs to participate in TA training.

who should attend?

All newly-hired TAs and any TAs who have not previously completed the TAD program or attended TA Orientation (prior to Fall 2007). RAs are not required by the Graduate College to participate in TAD; RA participation in TAD is solely up to the discretion of the hiring department.

blackboard

The TAD program is administered through Blackboard (ASURITE ID and password required). The TAD Blackboard site will be available July 20, 2012. Enrollment should occur automatically. TAs who cannot see the course after July 20, 2012 should email TAD-Q@asu.edu for assistance.

three components of TAD

1. pre-orientation modules

Cover various topics that are important for all TAs and are completed through the TAD Blackboard site. The Pre-Orientation Modules should be completed by August 17, 2012. Topics include:

• FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
• Sexual Harassment
• Diversity
• Academic Integrity
• Universal Design

2. face-to-face orientation

Half-day workshop covering topics to help TAs learn about what might be expected of them in their new role.

• Thursday, August 16, 2012, 1:00pm - 5:00pm, Business Administration C Wing (BAC), room 116
• Friday, August 17, 2012, 8:30am - 12:30pm, Business Administration C Wing (BAC), room 116

Anyone arriving more than 15 minutes late will not be allowed to enter. Please arrive early so we can begin on time as we have a full agenda. To register, visit the registration page, select "Teaching Assistant Development (TAD) Program," click on “Face-to-Face Orientation,” then click the “Register” button.

3. developmental experiences

TAs are required to complete three professional development activities related to their teaching during the semester. The deadline for completing the Developmental Experience component is December 12, 2012. More details on this component and what can be counted will be covered at the Face-to-Face Orientation and within the TAD Blackboard.

international ta orientation

The orientation will provide an introduction to the culture, norms, and expectations of the American classroom, from the perspective of both a student and TA. This orientation is designed to provide insight into the American classroom for those who are accustomed to a different set of expectations and norms in order to assist TAs in their transition. The following topics will be addressed:

• What you can expect from the American classroom
• What students expect from instructors
• Bridging the language divide
• Experiences and observations of current TAs
• Academic Integrity and ASU resources

The International TA Orientation is required of all International TAs for whom the language proficiency requirement must be met. This requirement went into effect for all new international TAs beginning Fall 2011 and will not be applied retroactively to those students who received their first TA award prior to Fall 2011.

• Tuesday, August 21, 2012, 1:00pm-5:00pm, location TBA

Registration is required. Register at http://asu.edu/gcregistration.
 

contact information

Send email to TAD-Q@asu.edu if you have any questions or would like additional information about the TAD program.