Teaching Academy 2025 Program
Please note that workshops will not be recorded - we hope to see you in the live session!
Workshops For TAs or Instructors NEW to UMass!
What’s It Like to Be a Teaching Assistant at UMass?
Friday, August 15th - 1:00-2:30pm (online)
Monday, August 25th - 11:30am-1:00pm (online)
Friday, September 5th - 12:15-1:45pm (in-person) Registration coming soon!
This short orientation session will introduce you to the role of being a teaching assistant at UMass, including supportive offices, logistical concerns, and the pedagogical approach that UMass values: inclusive, active classes that support all learners as they grapple with the intellectual challenges of our disciplines. Come for tips on teaching and navigating the TA role!
Navigating Teaching as an International TA
Thursday, August 28th - 1:15-3:00pm (S231 Integrative Learning Center [ILC])
Adjusting to U.S. classrooms as an international TA comes with unique challenges. Join UMass grad student Bo Kim for practical strategies and cultural insights on building teaching presence, communicating with faculty, and navigating student-teacher dynamics.
Workshops for ALL UMass Grad Students and Postdocs
Not teaching right now? No worries! It’s always the right time to improve your teaching skills, so do join us!
Student Belonging from the First Day and Beyond
Monday, August 18th - 12:00-1:15pm (online)
Friday, September 5th - 2:00-3:15pm (in-person) Registration coming soon!
Creating a sense of belonging starts on day one – but it should not stop there! Join UMass grad student Nagihan Ince to explore strategies for fostering a classroom community that lasts all semester. Learn how to integrate community-building activities, normalize mistakes as part of learning, and create a climate where every student feels seen, safe, and supported from start to finish.
Teaching “Boring” Required Courses Without Giving Up
Tuesday, August 19th - 3:00-4:15pm (online)
September TBA (in-person)
This workshop is for anyone who has been tasked with teaching a required, “boring” class and is struggling to engage students who expect boredom. UMass grad student Busra Karkili shares what happened when her vision of lively classroom discussions met the reality of teaching a required course. Join our workshop to explore ideas for building relevance and participation, with empathy and flexibility.
Teaching Controversial Topics in Contentious Times
Thursday, August 21st - 12:00-1:30pm (online)
Thursday, September 11th - 1:00-2:30pm (in-person) Registration coming soon!
In the current political moment, several topics we teach (such as climate change, gender ideology, critical race theory, and so on) might be deemed "controversial." How do we engage with topics that might generate strong emotions in students? In this workshop, UMass grad student Debadatta Chakraborty draws on contemplative pedagogies and pedagogies of hope to offer strategies for navigating emotionally-charged subjects with care and confidence.
Disability in the Classroom: Flexibility, Inclusivity, and Accessibility
Thursday, August 21st - 3:00-4:15pm (online)
Tuesday, September 9th - 11:30am-12:45pm (in-person) Registration coming soon!
How do you teach so that all students can succeed? In this workshop with UMass grad student Rebekah Kristal, we will explore flexible course design, maximizing available resources, and advocating for students’ needs. You’ll leave with practical strategies for creating inclusive, accessible classrooms – whether you're a TA or an instructor.
“So, Any Thoughts?”: Translating the Awkward Silence in Class Discussions
Friday, August 22nd - 1:30-2:30pm (online)
Friday, September 26th - 2:00-3:15pm (in-person) Registration coming soon!
Discussions invite all participants to engage with one another’s ideas. Yet too often, these sessions are met with silent pauses, off-topic comments, or rushed attempts to keep the conversation going. This interactive workshop with UMass grad student Yan Wu will offer strategies for reading the room and facilitating meaningful discussions in a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.
Engage Students with Active Learning
Monday, August 25th - 1:30-2:45pm (online)
September TBA (in-person)
Looking to make your class more interactive? UMass grad student Victoria Vizzini will share practical strategies for designing engaging activities that help students connect with course content in new, creative ways. Whether you're adapting existing ideas or starting from scratch, this workshop will equip you with strategies to turn lecture-based material into collaborative activities that help students engage with content and with each other in order to build confidence and self-reliance skills.