Texas A&M University Center for Teaching Excellence

The Teaching Assistant Institute

The Teaching Assistant Institute (TAI), hosted by the Graduate and Professional School and the Center for Teaching Excellence, is a university-mandated, one-day face-to-face workshop with additional online modules. TAI is designed to prepare graduate students for teaching in a college classroom and is offered every year at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. TAI is a component of the Teaching Assistant Training and Evaluation Program (TATEP). Attendance is required for new TAs serving as recitation leaders, laboratory instructors, and/or full-responsibility lecturers.

Spring 2027 TAI Sessions

Check-in: 8:00–8:30 a.m.
TAI Session: 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Schedule for the Spring 2027 TAI Sessions
Date Eligible Population Location
Wednesday, January 13, 2027 All Departments and Colleges Blocker Building
Saturday, January 30, 2027 All Departments and Colleges Virtual via Zoom

Registration for Spring 2027 TAI will open soon

Please check back for registration information

 

We welcome you to contact gspdt@tamu.edu with any questions regarding the Teaching Assistant Institute.

Learning Outcomes

Throughout the Teaching Assistant Institute (TAI), we will provide direction for how to locate appropriate teaching resources relevant to each topic, as well as incorporate strategies for considering diverse student populations. Individual departments will be responsible for providing an additional training for their teaching assistants that addresses discipline- specific needs and content.

University Policy
Make classroom decisions following University policies (i.e., FERPA, VAWA, Title IX, ADA); Identify University resources to support their role as teaching assistants.
How Learning Occurs
Determine the connection between learning outcomes and assessment; Determine a plan for self- assessment including evaluating effectiveness of performance as a TA.
Teaching Strategies
Choose appropriate teaching strategies to achieve learning outcomes; Select appropriate delivery methods (videos, interactive technologies, lecture, etc.).
Communication Skills
Utilize effective public speaking skills; Determine appropriate processes and methods for communicating with students.
Assessment & Feedback
Apply various assessment strategies and tools; Discuss methods to provide effective feedback; Develop an assessment and feedback plan.
Classroom Management & Climate
Prepare guidelines that communicate course expectations; Identify strategies for addressing classroom incivilities (e.g., talking out of turn, cheating, aggressive behaviors).

Departmental Waivers

To comply with the University Teaching Assistant mandate, departments offering teaching assistant training equivalent to the Teaching Assistant Institute (TAI) through their departmental training program may apply for a Request for Teaching Assistant Institute Waiver. Training waivers are granted for a three year-period. For more information and to apply, please email cte@tamu.edu.

Sociology

In-person component waived through Fall 2026

Anthropology

In-person component waived through Fall 2028

Chemistry

In-person component waived through Fall 2027

Communication & Journalism

In-person component waived through Fall 2026

School of Public Health

In-person component waived through Fall 2028

English

In-person component waived through Fall 2028

Mathematics

In-person component waived through Fall 2028

Additional Resources