Programming for College Teaching Development
For Graduate Teaching Assistants and Graduate Students Interested in Teaching
The South Dakota State University Center for Professional Enrichment and Teaching Excellence provides graduate teaching assistants and graduate students interested in teaching careers in higher education with a wide array of professional development opportunities.
Teaching Orientation
Teaching Orientation prepares all Graduate Teaching Assistants, new and returning, ways to start the semester effectively. By attending, GTAs learn management and instructional strategies to implement during the first class or lab sessions that will foster a culture of learning and respect and set a positive tone for the entire semester. GTAs leave orientation motivated to teach effectively, knowing that the university values their contributions to student learning. The Teaching Orientation can be used as a “workshop” to earn the Practice I – Certificate of College Teaching Development.
Certifications of College Teaching Development
Through this certification program the Center for Professional Enrichment and Teaching Excellence assists departments with the enhancement of the level of instruction provided by SDSU Graduate Teaching Assistants and ensures high standards of quality for our students. This program provides Graduate Teaching Assistants the opportunity to gain recognition for their participation and completion of specific professional development opportunities. Upon successful completion, Graduate Teaching Assistants are publicly recognized at a reception honoring their outstanding accomplishments.
In order to receive this distinction, requirements are provided on the CPETE website within the Graduate Teaching Assistants Opportunities tab. To get started, please email Kevin Sackreiter to request the enrollment instructions.
Teaching Observations
Teaching Observations through CPETE are a supportive, positive, and constructive process that focus on helping Graduate Teaching Assistants identify and develop their teaching strengths. The primary goal is to focus the observation process on teaching growth.
The observation process includes a course observation conducted by a CPETE professional and a one-on-one feedback session focused on teaching strengths and suggestions based on teaching pedagogy. Observations are confidential between the GTA and CPETE staff. To schedule an observation, email Kevin Sackreiter and make that request. Share your teaching schedule in that initial request.
Micro-Teaching Opportunities
Micro-Teaching opportunities are offered at the beginning of each semester for the purpose of providing participants the opportunity to practice teaching a mini-lesson, approximately 8 minutes, and receive immediate constructive feedback to benefit you and your students. Participating in a Micro-Teaching is a requirement of the Practice I – Certificate of College Teaching Development.
Teacher Trainings
Teacher Trainings are workshops focused on teaching foundational teaching strategies with opportunities for reflection, personal application, and community building among graduate teaching assistants and graduate students interested in future faculty positions.
The trainings are created each semester based on feedback and needs indicated by Graduate Teaching Assistants. All trainings are presented in a dynamic manner that models effective teaching strategies and allows opportunities for application and reflection. Presenters include CPETE staff, as well as SDSU faculty and Graduate Teaching Assistants who excel in their teaching roles. All presenters are familiar with the role GTAs play at SDSU.
The Teacher Trainings are promoted through the “Teaching Times” and CPETE website within the Graduate Teaching Assistants Opportunities tab. Any Teacher Training can be used as a “workshop” to earn the Practice I – Certificate of College Teaching Development.
Lunch & Learns
“Lunch & Learns” are focused on providing information and direction for those who are interested in pursuing careers in higher education. Former graduate students and faculty members will share insight through an informal Q&A format over the noon hour. Any “Lunch & Learn” can be used as a “workshop” to earn the Practice I – Certificate of College Teaching Development.
“Teaching Times”
The “Teaching Times” is a weekly up-date of CPETE events, current articles focused on pedagogy, links to teaching webinars, and SDSU news focused on teaching. It is emailed Tuesdays of the fall and spring semesters. Those interested in receiving the “Teaching Times” can indicate their interest by emailing Kevin Sackreiter. Archived ones for the current semester can be found on the CPETE website within the Graduate Teaching Assistants Opportunities tab.
For more information regarding these offerings, please contact:
Kevin Sackreiter, Ed.D., Executive Director | Center for Professional Enrichment and Teaching Excellence
Briggs Library 126 | 605-688-6413 | Kevin.Sackreiter@sdstate.edu