Teaching as a Graduate Student

Teaching as a Graduate Student (TAGS) is the CTE’s orientation for new teaching assistants. TAGS provides an overview of equitable and learning-centered teaching and helps participants apply these ideas in contexts most applicable to TAs. Student teaching looks different across the range of UVA’s schools and departments, so TAGS focuses on foundational principles that are relevant across contexts. The material is designed primarily for those new to teaching, though experienced TAs may also find TAGS useful and valuable. Topics include:

• Creating equitable and inclusive learning environments

• Principles of learning-centered teaching

• Supporting students’ success

• Teaching the first day of class

• Facilitating effective classroom discussions

• Approaching feedback and grading effectively and efficiently

How it Works

TAGS is a hybrid learning experience, with approximately 75% of the TAGS content available year-round in online modules in UVACanvas. Members of the UVA community can register to access the online site at any time, and it will remain available for participants to revisit whenever they find it useful to do so.

Twice a year, in January and in August, we offer live, interactive sessions to complement the online material. Registration for the August live sessions will open in the summer

Please note that UVA login credentials are required to access the online TAGS material. The online modules remain available to everyone, regardless of their ability to attend the live sessions, but for full TAGS participation, we recommend both.

Please refer to the FAQs for additional information.