College of Graduate Studies

A web banner featuring a male instructor presenting in a classroom setting with a digital display in the background. On the left, a blue graphic box includes the MTSU logo and the text "Graduate Teaching Assistant Training."

Mission


The University-Wide Graduate Teaching Assistant Training Program prepares graduate teaching assistants to contribute effectively to student learning and success at MTSU and beyond.

Through foundational preparation in teaching, assessment, instructional practice, professional responsibilities, and university expectations, the program promotes a consistent, high-quality learning experience while building confidence, effectiveness, and transferable professional skills.

Program Goals


A graphic featuring four rounded informational cards arranged in a grid, detailing the core goals of a program: Effective Teaching, Classroom Confidence, Professional Practice, and Teaching Community.

    What to Expect?


    A five-step process flow chart showing the progression of the program: Application, followed by Selection, then Six Interactive Workshops, followed by Recognition of Completion, which is linked to the final step of Developing Your Teaching Portfolio

    Participants complete a series of interactive on-campus workshops supported by supplemental Canvas resources. The program combines practical instruction, discussion, reflection, and application to prepare graduate teaching assistants for successful teaching experiences at MTSU.

    Benefits to Participants


    Participants will:

    • Strengthen their teaching skills
    • Increase confidence in the classroom
    • Learn effective instructional and assessment strategies
    • Connect with graduate teaching assistants and faculty from across campus
    • Receive a stipend of $250
    • Earn your “Instructional Excellence for Graduate Teaching Assistants” digital badge

    Apply


    Applications for the Fall 2026 Cohort are now being accepted.

    Fall 2026 Deadline: August 3rd

    Fall Program Schedule


    All modules will be held on Fridays from 12:30-4:30.

    A schedule table displaying a six-module course layout with dates. The text is organized in a clean list with alternating light gray shaded rows highlighting individual modules.

    Participants are expected to attend all six workshops and complete the associated assignments to be eligible for the digital badge and the participation stipend.

    Faculty & Graduate Program Directors


    Identify and recommend graduate teaching assistants who would benefit from structured instructional training beyond what your department offers.

    Foundational teaching, instructional, and professional development applicable across disciplines. Complements department-specific preparation.

    Contact


    College of Graduate Studies

    Sebrina Jackson, GTA Program Training Assistant

    Email: [email protected]

    Phone: 615-898-2840

    Program Team


    Dr. Racha El Kadiri Headshot

    Dr. Racha El Kadiri

    Associate Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, Professor

    Dr. David Nelson Headshot

    Dr. David Nelson

    Biology Chair, Professor

    Module Developers and Facilitators

    Dr. Samantha Johnson Headshot

    Dr. Samantha Johnson

    Associate Professor

    Dr. Kate Lisbeth Pantelides Headhsot

    Dr. Kate Lisbeth Pantelides

    Professor, Provost’s Fellow

    Dr. John Lando Carter Headshot

    Dr. John Lando Carter

    Associate Professor

    Dr. Grant E. Gardner Headshot

    Dr. Grant E. Gardner

    Professor

    Dr. Rebecca L. Siepelt-Theimann Headshot

    Dr. Rebecca L. Seipelt-Theimann

    Professor

    Dr. Jenn Caputo Headshot

    Dr. Jenn Caputo

    Professor