Empower Your Teaching Journey: Resources and Programs for UM Graduate Students

by Amitesh Singh, graduate consultant

Are you a graduate student at the University of Mississippi eager to enhance your teaching skills and become an outstanding educator? Look no further than the wealth of opportunities and resources provided by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL). Whether you're just starting as a teaching assistant (TA) or a seasoned graduate instructor, CETL offers a variety of programs and support to help you excel in your teaching role.

I am a Graduate Consultant at CETL. Besides being an avid researcher working on evolution of binary black holes, I have been engaged as a TA in active-learning-based physics classrooms,  where the learning is student-centered. As a part of my duties in CETL, I also am involved in facilitating programs for TAs and graduate instructors who are eager to enhance their teaching.

If you are seeking teaching support, the Fundamentals of Teaching Learning Community offers a unique opportunity to hone your pedagogical skills, connect with fellow graduate instructors, and access CETL resources throughout the term. This program spans four in-person sessions, focusing on various aspects of teaching, including setting the course tone, lesson planning, grading, and assessment. Online engagement allows for real-time support and resource sharing between sessions. This semester, our Fundamentals cohort have had fascinating discussions on student motivation and grading. My favorite part: refreshments are provided during in-person meetings!

If you like reading and are ready to expand your teaching knowledge, the Graduate Reading Group organized by CETL offers a fantastic opportunity. Throughout the semester, you'll engage in thought-provoking discussions about a selected book. This fall, we've been reading The Missing Course: Everything They Never Taught You About College Teaching by David Gooblar. Graduate students in the reading group have already met twice over lunch to discuss topics like promoting student autonomy and designing effective courses. 

Additionally, CETL offers three tiered teaching credentials, self-paced and open to all graduate students at UM. By completing a series of activities, including workshops, observations, consultations, and reflections, you can earn one of these credentials, which you can share on your CV. Each level focuses on different aspects of teaching, and you'll connect with peers from various disciplines to enhance your teaching practices. 

In addition to the Graduate programs, CETL offers an extensive range of pedagogy resources designed specifically for graduate teachers. These resources are invaluable for refining your teaching skills and staying informed about the latest developments in teaching and learning. 

In summary, the University of Mississippi's Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning is your go-to source for support and resources to become an outstanding graduate teacher. Join CETL's vibrant community of educators and unlock your full teaching potential! Don't miss out on these incredible opportunities – your path to teaching excellence starts here!