Graduate Teaching Assistant Coaches Program : Graduate Students : Teaching Center : University of Rochester

Graduate Teaching Assistant Coaches Program

The Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Coaches Program is a partnership between the Teaching Center and Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA).

All academic departments have the opportunity to send their first-time graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) to a half-day training during orientation (typically in late August and mid-January). This training prepares GTAs through opportunities to practice pedagogical techniques and the review of important information about teaching best practices, student support services, and policies. Academic departments notify students directly about this training. If a department has not notified students about participation, students can inquire directly with their departmental graduate coordinator.

More experienced GTAs may be interested in serving as a GTA Coach who delivers this programming. The GTA Coaches Program uses a train-the-trainer model in which GEPA hires and the Teaching Center trains experienced GTAs as coaches, mentors and trainers for first-time GTAs. The preparatory training occurs in a series of sessions led by Teaching Center staff over the summer. GEPA provides a stipend covering the preparatory training, the delivery of the orientation training, and associated assessment activities.

Program Logistics

Coaches who participate in and complete the requirements of the summer training, orientation, and debrief sessions will receive a stipend of $625. This program meets in person on the River Campus in July and August, and includes six training sessions, two work sessions (one required), facilitation of a three-hour GTA teaching orientation, and a one-hour debrief session. Participants will also spend time outside of the sessions designing and practicing their orientation sessions. Dates and times are specified below.

A subset of coaches will have the opportunity to facilitate a second identical orientation session in January, with an additional stipend of $250.

2025 GTA Coach training dates and times:

Session 1: July 28, 10-11:30 a.m.
Session 2: July 30, 10-11:30 a.m.
Work Session 1: Aug 1, 10-11:30 a.m.
Session 3: August 4, 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
Session 4: August 6, 10-11:30 a.m.
Session 5: August 8, 10-11:30 a.m.
Work Session 2: August 11, 10-11:30 a.m.
Session 6: August 13, 10-11:30 a.m.

Orientation: Facilitate a three-hour morning session on August 20, 2025.

Orientation debrief: One hour, to be scheduled the afternoon of orientation.

Eligibility

GTAs from the School of Arts & Sciences and Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences with at least two semesters of experience as a graduate teaching assistant or equivalent experience.

Benefits of Being a GTA

You will learn how to support the instructional responsibilities of graduate teaching assistants as you design and implement a three-hour training for first-time GTAs. You'll develop your own instructional skills by integrating evidence-based practices such as active learning, inclusive and accessible design, and supportive facilitation.

How to Apply

Applications have closed for the 2025 cohort.

Contact

If you have questions regarding the GTA Coaches Program please email teachingcenter@rochester.edu.