CAT is pleased to provide workshops, reading groups, and other programming and services designed to support graduate students in their teaching. Whether you are an experienced teaching assistant looking for additional professional development opportunities or completely new to teaching, we have a variety of events to connect you with inspiring colleagues and develop your pedagogical skill set.
Required TA Training
If you are looking for the Essential Policies & Practices for TAs, a fully online training required for Categories 1–5 TAs who need to get certified to teach, please see our webpage for upcoming training offerings and more information.
Workshops
CAT teaching workshops are interactive sessions (typically 1.5 to 2 hours) led by a CAT facilitator or other subject matter expert. In addition to providing opportunities to learn about effective approaches to teaching, they are also opportunities to discuss ideas with other graduate students across disciplines. The following are our current workshop offerings:
Universal Design for Learning
Join us for our online workshop as we explore tools for learning content accessibility and strategies for incorporating universal design for learning into your teaching/course design practice.
Facilitator: Dr. John Crow, Office of Digital Learning
Email: teaching-assistants@fsu.edu
Date/Time: Friday, August 15th, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Register Here: https://forms.office.com/r/3mFQXfv4dp
Designing for Learning
This interactive workshop will help participants design effective learning experiences of any length, from courses to modules to class sessions. First, we’ll discuss adopting a learning-centered approach to teaching, in which we shift our focus from covering content to facilitating learning. Then, we’ll practice using a backward design process to set learning goals, align assessments, and make good use of class time by providing students with opportunities for practice and feedback. We hope you can join us for this fundamental workshop that helps lay the foundation for the rest of the TDP. We look forward to working with you!
Facilitators: Zach Lloyd, Teaching Consultant & Caity Bente, Program Manager: TA Training & Professional Development
Email: teaching-assistants@fsu.edu
Date/Time (two options):
- Tuesday, September 2nd, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., In-Person, Location TBD,
- OR
- Wednesday, September 3rd, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., via Zoom
*These are the same session with two date options; you do not need to attend both dates.
Register Here: https://forms.office.com/r/ssDUi9C7Xf
Writing Your Teaching Philosophy Statement
Writing a teaching philosophy can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity to articulate your approach to teaching and learning in a way that reflects your values and practices as an instructor. In this workshop, we will guide you through the process of creating a compelling, evidence-based teaching philosophy. We’ll explore common challenges, discuss rhetorical strategies and essential components of the document, and highlight common pitfalls to avoid. Through discussion and hands-on activities, you’ll begin developing the ideas and language to capture your unique perspective on teaching.
Facilitators: Zach Lloyd, Teaching Consultant & Caity Bente, Program Manager: TA Training & Professional Development
Email: teaching-assistants@fsu.edu
Date/Time (two options):
- Wednesday, September 17th, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. via Zoom
- OR
- Thursday, September 18th, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m., Dirac Library Room 216
*These are the same session with two date options; you do not need to attend both dates.
Register Here: https://forms.office.com/r/NT476Ze3PJ
Additional workshop topics coming soon in Fall 2025!
Reading Groups
Reading groups are a great opportunity to connect with colleagues across disciplines and discuss great books about teaching and learning. Groups typically meet three times (approximately 1.5 hours each session) across three consecutive weeks and are led by a facilitator from CAT. Reading groups are a relaxed, discussion-focused environment that encourages participants to share their experiences and questions on the book topics.
See below for upcoming reading group offerings:
How Learning Works: 8 Research-Based Principles for Smart Teaching – Coming soon in Fall 2025!
Please Note — These reading groups are for graduate students only. If you have questions about a particular reading group, please email the facilitator listed for that reading group.