The University Teaching and Learning Program
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Program - University Teaching and Learning Program (UTLP)
The Center for Teaching Excellence, along with support from the Office of the
Dean for Undergraduate Studies and the Dean of the Graduate School, developed
the University Teaching and Learning Program (UTLP) to assist in the
professional development of graduate teaching assistants as college teachers. At
the heart of the UTLP is the philosophy that teaching, like research, is a
scholarly activity, one which requires intellectual engagement and public
conversation.
To complete the Center for
Teaching Excellence’s program in University Teaching and Learning, GTAs must
fulfill requirements which reflect this philosophy. When
GTAs complete the
program they will be recognized at an annual reception to celebrate graduate
teaching assistants and they will receive both transcript notation and a
certificate acknowledging their participation in the program, tangible evidence
of their thoughtful engagement with issues central to college teaching. This
program is self-paced. GTAs with at least one semester of college teaching
experience (at the University of Maryland or elsewhere) are welcome to apply.
For more information, please contact the
UTLP coordinator or call (301) 314-1283.
Click
here for application.
Requirements of the Program:
The Center for Teaching Excellence will be flexible with
alternative requirements, provided they reflect the
philosophy of the program and demonstrate a commitment to,
and an engagement with, college-level teaching and
learning.
Graduate
Course on University Teaching – UNIV 798a
Successful completion of an approved
course on university teaching and learning such as
UNIV798a or an equivalent two-credit graduate course.
Workshops
Attend seven 90-minute CTE, campus, or
department-specific workshops on teaching and learning.
These must include at least one workshop on teaching with
technology offered by your department or through the Office of Information Technology.
Workshop credit is given for participation in UTLP
activities organized by CTE each semester.
Mentoring or Observing
Mentor a graduate teaching assistant who has taught at the
university level for no more than one semester. Mentoring
will include (but is not limited to) three meetings for
one semester. Mentors will also observe the newer teaching
assistant teach two class sessions, and will provide
verbal and written feedback on each session within one
week of each observation. The UTLP guide to observing
classes is available at:
http://cte.umd.edu/UTLP/ObservationQuestions.pdf
OR
Observe the teaching of three professors noted for their
teaching and write reflections on what you learned from
their teaching. Observations of noted campus teachers by
groups of UTLP members are a regular part of the UTLP
activities organized by CTE each semester.
Being Mentored
Choose a faculty member in your department or college as a
mentor and arrange for at least three meetings during one
semester to discuss your teaching. You also must be
observed teaching at least once by your mentor and must
receive verbal and written feedback based on that
observation. It is strongly suggested that you videotape
this class session and that you write an analysis of the
class to compare with that of your mentor.
Teaching Projects
Complete a teaching project that
demonstrates understanding of the field of university
teaching;
contributes to the department, college, or University
community in ways that promote teaching and learning; and
demonstrates teaching-related initiative and/or leadership
within the department, college, or University.
Check UTLP Resources for
suggestions.
Teaching Portfolio
Develop a teaching portfolio that includes at least the
following:
-
a statement
of teaching philosophy;
-
a description of your teaching responsibilities over your
tenure at the University;
-
a reflective summary of student evaluations of your teaching,
covering at least two semesters of classes; and
-
a statement about your efforts to improve your own
teaching and to contribute to public discussions of
teaching and learning.
It is strongly suggested that UTLP members complete their
teaching portfolios during intensive two-and-a-half day portfolio
retreats offered by CTE. The teaching portfolio is the
capstone project of the UTLP and should be the last
requirement UTLP members complete.
Completion of Program
Submit the
teaching portfolio and the UTLP check list to CTE for review. You must receive
a satisfactory or higher rating to exit the UTLP.
