Upcoming Teaching Workshops!

OPD supports graduate students and postdocs teaching right now and helps prepare them for careers as teachers in higher education. 

Syllabus Sequence 1: Content and Calendars
Tuesday, July 15th - 10:30am-12:00pm (online)
Create a syllabus this summer! This week, we'll talk about choosing learning goals, topics, and readings and how to put it all into the class calendar. In this workshop, there will be a brief introduction of best practices and tips, time to work on your own syllabus, and then time for questions. Deciding on the course calendar can often take forever, so use this concentrated time to make some decisions! Come to today's workshop or join us at all four "Syllabus Sequence" workshops!
 
Syllabus Sequence 2: Motivating Students to Learn
Tuesday, July 22nd - 10:30-11:45am (online)
Create a syllabus this summer! How can we motivate our students to actually care about our class and demonstrate that care by doing the work (instead of relying on shortcuts like ChatGPT)? Drawing on neuroscience and educational research, we'll consider the role of activities and assignments in our courses. Come to today's workshop or join us at all four "Syllabus Sequence" workshops!
 
Syllabus Sequence 3: Fair Grading Practices
Tuesday, July 29th - 10:30am-12:00pm (online)
Create a syllabus this summer! This week, we’ll discuss how to design assignments and grading practices that support the success of all students. We’ll explore strategies for assessment that take into account the backgrounds, experiences, and learning styles students bring to the classroom. Come to today's workshop or join us at all four "Syllabus Sequence" workshops!

Teaching Statements for the Academic Job Market
Friday, August 1st - 10:00-11:30am (online)
How do you talk about teaching on the faculty job market? What are search committees looking for? This interactive workshop will cover the basics, as well as what makes an excellent statement stand out! In addition, we will review examples of teaching statements.

Teaching Portfolios: Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness
Friday, August 1st - 11:45am-12:30pm (online)
In this workshop, you will learn the essentials of crafting a teaching portfolio that showcases your effectiveness in the classroom. Topics will include the purpose, content, and format of the teaching portfolio. 
 
Syllabus Sequence 4: Policies That Are More Empathetic and Less Bureaucratic
Tuesday, August 5th - 10:30am-12:00pm (online)
Create a syllabus this summer! This week, we'll talk about choosing policies for late-work, AI and technology use, plagiarism, attendance, and so on. These policies not only impact your classroom climate, but the wording you choose can make an immediate impact on your students. Make sure you are making the right first impression! Come to today's workshop or join us at all four "Syllabus Sequence" workshops!

What’s It Like to Be a Teaching Assistant at UMass? 
Friday, August 15th - 1:00-2:30pm (online)
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! Part of the Teaching Academy!
 
Student Belonging from the First Day and Beyond
Monday, August 18th - 12:00-1:15pm (online)
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. Part of the Teaching Academy!
 
Teaching “Boring” Required Courses Without Giving Up
Tuesday, August 19th - 3:00-4:15pm (online)
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. Part of the Teaching Academy!
 
Teaching Controversial Topics in Contentious Times
Thursday, August 21st - 12:00-1:30pm (online)
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. Part of the Teaching Academy!
 
Disability in the Classroom: Flexibility, Inclusivity, and Accessibility
Thursday, August 21st - 3:00-4:15pm (online)
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. Part of the Teaching Academy!
 
“So, Any Thoughts?”: Translating the Awkward Silence in Class Discussions
Friday, August 22nd - 1:30-2:30pm (online)
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. Part of the Teaching Academy!
 
What’s It Like to Be a Teaching Assistant at UMass? 
Monday, August 25th - 11:30am-1:00pm (online)
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! Part of the Teaching Academy!
 
Engage Students with Active Learning
Monday, August 25th - 1:30-2:45pm (online)
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 star  ting 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. Part of the Teaching Academy!
 
Navigating Teaching as an International TA
Thursday, August 28th - 1:15-3:00pm (S231 ILC (Integrative Learning Center))
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. Part of the Teaching Academy!