Program Requirements
TEACH fellows will be expected to hold teaching appointments for both the fall and spring semester. If a change in their teaching status occurs, fellows will not receive a stipend for that particular semester. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Fellows who are not teaching will not be videotaped for that semester nor will an SGID (Small Group Instructional Diagnosis with students) be conducted. However, fellows who wish to receive a certificate must complete all other program requirements.
Videotaping
Two videotaped consultations (based on discussion sections, laboratory sections, or courses the fellow is teaching for a full semester) are required for program completion. The first videotaped consultation should be completed in the fall semester, the second in the spring semester. Public speaking engagements, talks in colloquia, or single lectures given in place of a faculty member may not be used to complete the videotaped consultation requirement.
Each videotaped class is subsequently discussed in a confidential session with a consultant. The staff member and the fellow together analyze specific teaching issues and focus on the tape, recognizing that there are many effective ways to teach. Videotaping allows teachers to experience their own teaching in a safe, supportive atmosphere. At the fellow’s request, the TLTC can provide copies of the tape to be reviewed by others or included in a teaching portfolio. The original videotapes are the property of the TEACH fellow to be used at his/her discretion.
Videotaping FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Watching Yourself on Videotape
Midterm Evaluation
TEACH fellows will participate in a midterm evaluation with a program consultant. A Small Group Instructional Diagnosis (SGID) will be conducted with the fellow’s class. For more information about the SGID process, please see the corresponding section in the orientation materials.
Following the SGID, a TEACH Program consultant and the fellow will then schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss feedback from the SGID and possible actions the TA may want to implement. The SGID should be completed twice, once in the fall and spring semester, and in approximately the middle of the semester.
SGID FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Teaching Portfolio
A personal teaching portfolio plays an important role not only in the program requirements of the TEACH Program, but also in the upcoming job search. The portfolio will include a narrative describing the fellow’s philosophy of teaching and future teaching goals. The narrative should be supported by such relevant data as syllabi, reading lists, handouts, quizzes and examinations, and student evaluations. Letters of recommendation on teaching effectiveness and selected student materials or comments may also provide useful supportive information. TAs may consult with their home departments and/or TLTC staff regarding the development of their portfolios. More information about teaching portfolios will be given to TEACH fellows via workshops and consultations. Sample portfolios are available in the TEACH Program offices for your review. Your completed teaching portfolio (reviewed by your mentor and another faculty mentor) is due at the end of the fall semester.
TEACH Program Project
Each TEACH fellow will complete an individualized project with his or her mentor. The goal of this project is to provide a focus for the interactions with the mentor so that the TEACH fellow can achieve the maximum benefit of the mentor’s experience as a faculty member. More details about project parameters and past projects designed by TEACH fellows will be given at the orientation session. The project will be presented to the Final Review Committee via a poster session. The completed poster and project documentation are due at the end of the spring semester. The posters will be on display in the TLTC lobby the following May.
Activity Contract
Each TEACH fellow is asked to partner with a faculty mentor. The mentor may be from the fellow's department or from another discipline. If the TEACH fellow would like assistance in selecting an appropriate mentor, the TEACH program is glad to provide suggestions of faculty members who have volunteered to participate.
Each fellow and his/her mentor will develop an individualized Activity Contract that describes the responsibilities of both the TA and the mentor. This contract might include consulting, observations, lecture preparation, co-teaching responsibilities, technology implementation, goals, and evaluation methods. More information and a template for the activity contract are available from the TEACH Program and can be discussed in detail with your TEACH program consultant.
Attendance of TA Workshops
Over the fall and spring semesters, fellows are required to complete a total of 20 hours of TEACH program workshops. These workshops will cover learning and teaching issues, career development issues, and technology. A detailed listing of available workshops is available online at www.tltc.ttu.edu.
Although workshops are offered at a variety of times, we recognize that scheduling conflicts may occur. times. Some technology workshops are repeated at various points in the semester. Most teaching and learning workshops are taught by faculty members who volunteer their time to the program. Therefore, the workshops are arranged according to the faculty member's schedule and free time. The TEACH Program is not responsible for scheduling workshops that work within each fellow's schedule. It is the TEACH fellow's responsibility to plan early and to talk with his/her consultant about any scheduling problems.
Some departmental training sessions (up to 4 hours total) may complete a portion of this requirement with prior approval from the TLTC program director. Consultations with TLTC staff members may account for 2 credit hours with prior approval.
Program Evaluation Meetings
Participants meet with their TEACH program consultant several times during the semester for the videotaping, SGID, feedback sessions and various workshops. Fellows can request additional meetings to discuss the teaching portfolio or TEACH Project, or to answer other questions related to the program. The TEACH Program administration strives to be flexible to make the program as individualized as possible and offer assistance to whatever degree possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact your consultant or the director with questions.
International TA Requirements
International TA's have two additional requirements. First, they are required to attend the International Teaching Assistant Workshop held prior to the fall semester. (Please visit the ITA Web site for more information.) Second, if their first language is not English, they must receive a passing score on the SPEAK test. International students who have questions about the ITA workshop or the SPEAK test may contact Dr. Dale Griffee for more information.
Final Assessment
Upon recommendation from the TEACH Program administration, the Final Review subcommittee of the TEACH Program committee reviews each candidate's file, meets with the candidate for an exit interview, and approves the candidate's completion of the TEACH program. The Final Review process will occur late in the spring semester.