We take pride in preparing our graduate students to teach at the collegiate level. Almost all of our newly admitted graduate students are hired as teaching assistants and help our instructors facilitate activities, grade assignments, and mentor students in both classroom and online undergraduate courses.
Early in your graduate career, you will attend teaching workshops offered through the university and take a semester-long Teaching Sociology course in which you will study teaching philosophy, practice course design, create sample assignments, outline and give lectures, and receive peer and faculty feedback. We also offer opportunities to participate in departmental teaching workshops and discussions facilitated by our Supervisor of Graduate Instructors.
During the end of your third or beginning of their fourth year, you will be prepared to independently teach your first undergraduate course. Graduate instructors have the chance to regularly consult with faculty members and more experienced graduate students about their syllabi and teaching practices, and receive additional hands-on support from our Undergraduate Teaching Coordinator and our Supervisor of Graduate Instructors.
Throughout your graduate career, you will have the opportunity to attend additional teaching workshops within both the Sociology Department and the university’s Center for the Advancement of Teaching. These cover topics such as using technology in the classroom, designing assignments, grading and providing feedback, engaging students, professional communication, and crafting job application materials focused on teaching. Taking advantage of these resources can give graduate students a competitive edge when they go on the job market.