TA/TF Training – Fall 2026

Announcing the Fall 2026 TA/TF Workshops!

Build Your Teaching Toolkit. Engage Your Classroom. 

Any Boston University doctoral student who expects to have teaching obligations (Teaching Assistants and Teaching Fellows) during the upcoming academic year is welcome to attend! Whether you are entering the classroom for the first time or looking to sharpen your pedagogical skills, these sessions are designed for you. Students are encouraged to register for both sessions as scheduling allows.

Session 1: Overview of Teaching Tools and Resources (online)
Learn core concepts and responsibilities in a shorter online format. 
 Session 2: Interactive Orientation (in-person)
Discuss core concepts and go in-depth with a new network of grad student peers.
What to expect:

  • An overview of TAing/TFing at BU
  • Basic pedagogical approaches
  • Outline of key TA/TF responsibilities
  • Additional teaching resources
 What to expect:

  • Explore the “science of learning” and basic pedagogical approaches
  • Discuss real-world teaching scenarios with grad students from across campus
  • Same topics as the online session, but in greater depth
Monday, August 24

  • 2pm – 3pm
  • Online (Zoom link will be sent with registration confirmation)
 Tuesday, August 25

  • 1pm – 3:30pm
  • 100 Bay State Road, Room 613 (Charles River Campus)
  • Food and refreshments provided!
  • Limited seats available – RSVP today

Attendees will receive a 10% off coupon to the BU Campus Store, and be entered into a raffle for BU swag and copies of “Teaching Gradually”. Full agenda is below.

Registration is now open for both sessions!

Preparing to TF/TA: An Interactive Orientation (Aug 25)

Participants will:

  • Acquire an Immediate “Teaching Toolkit”: Walk away with concrete, evidence-based strategies for active lecturing, lesson design, and maintaining high classroom engagement from day one.
  • Navigate Complex Situations with Confidence: Practice handling high-stress scenarios: discovering academic dishonesty; navigating boundary lines with undergraduate students; and managing expectations with your faculty supervisor.
  • De-stress Your First Week: Transition smoothly into your teaching role by learning about the science of how students learn, saving you hours of trial-and-error.
  • Connect with Your Peer Network: Share experiences and build a community with fellow BU doctoral students across disciplines who face the exact same classroom opportunities and hurdles.

12:30 pm Check-In and Refreshments
1:00 pm Welcome and Introductions
1:10 pm How People Learn, and why it matters: How students learn, learning taxonomies, and maintaining a motivated, asset-based mindset as a teacher.
1:30 pm Application – How People Learn: Building your teaching skills toolkit and developing your personal pedagogy strategically.
2:00 pm Break
2:10 pm Bringing Research & Theory to the Classroom: Practical strategies for dynamic lecturing, experiential learning, and active participation.
2:30 pm Application – Research & Theory in the Classroom: Tackle tough case studies: managing academic dishonesty, conversations with supervisors, and student boundary-setting.
3:00 pm Major Takeaways. Wrap-Up, and Networking
Followed by a 30 minute session with the BU Graduate Workers Union

These events are co-sponsored by Graduate & Postdoctoral Success and the Institute for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.