Teaching with TAs
Teaching Assistants (TAs) are more than classroom helpers—they are essential partners in creating meaningful learning experiences and advancing the University of Toronto’s teaching mission. This page brings together CTSI resources to help instructors collaborate effectively with TAs as part of a teaching team and provides an overview of the Teaching Assistants’ Training Program (TATP), which supports TA training and professional development across U of T.
For Instructors: Building and Managing Your Teaching Team
A strong teaching team starts with clear communication and shared goals. CTSI offers resources to help instructors:
Designing Effective Tutorials and Labs
Ensure that tutorials/labs are effectively integrated into the course structure
Developing and Managing a TA Team
Strategies for fostering collaboration and trust
Enhancing TA Teaching Competencies
Support TAs in building confidence and pedagogical skills
For Your TAs: Teaching Assistants' Training Program (TATP)
Teaching Assistants are vital members of the teaching team, and TATP is here to help them thrive in their role. The program provides comprehensive pedagogical development for TAs and graduate students across all three campuses, equipping them with the skills and confidence to make a real impact in the classroom.
Through TATP, teaching assistants will:
- Build core teaching skills by exploring strategies for facilitating discussions, grading effectively, and supporting diverse learners.
- Gain confidence in their role by developing practical techniques to manage classroom dynamics and communicate clearly with students and instructors.
- Prepare for instructional responsibilities by understanding expectations, plan lessons, and deliver engaging learning experiences.
- Contribute meaningfully to student success by becoming an active partner in the teaching team, helping create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Whether they are new to teaching or looking to deepen their expertise, TATP offers workshops, certificate programs, and resources designed to support their growth as educators.
TATP programming is open to all graduate students, regardless of teaching appointment:
- Job Training: Resources for supporting TAs and course instructors and navigating mandatory paid training options.
- Workshops and Events: Foundational and advanced teaching workshops.
- Certificate Programs: Seven multi-session programs for deeper pedagogical development.
- Teaching Resources: Evidence-informed guides, templates, worksheets, videos, podcasts, and much more.
- TATP Newsletter: Updates on opportunities, teaching practices, and emerging trends.
- Teaching Awards: Recognizing excellence in TA teaching through three awards for TAs and graduate student course instructors.