Many graduate students are awarded teaching assistantships, and while teaching assistant (TA) duties vary across departments, they all demand considerable skill and knowledge. These duties can include grading, consulting with students during office hours, leading discussion or problem sessions, teaching labs, or giving lectures.

To assist new TAs as they prepare for their duties, the Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching offers its Teaching Assistant Orientation (TAO) each August.

Click for schedule: http://www.vanderbilt.edu/cft/programs/graduate_student/tao.htm#schedule

August 19: 12:30-5 p.m.
August 20: 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

* Sessions at the orientation cover techniques that can be used in all the varied teaching duties assumed by TAs and provide information on campus resources available to TAs.
* Participants at TAO also receive an opportunity to practice their teaching skills and receive feedback on their teaching from experienced teachers.
* Participation in the orientation is likely to make your job as a TA easier and will be a valuable addition to your curriculum vitae, especially if you intend to pursue an academic career.

Graduate students who will begin their teaching assistant (TA) duties during the 2008-09 school year are invited to attend TAO. You may be required to attend TAO by your department. Please check with your department to find out its TAO attendance policy.

Please visit the Center for Teaching's website to learn more about TAO and to register for this event.