Fall 2025 Teaching Orientation for Graduate Students

CTL offers graduate student instructors orientation resources and sessions to learn about practical, evidence-based strategies that they can implement on the first day of class. These orientations help supplement department-based orientations and trainings. CTL orientations are open to all new teaching assistants, teaching fellows, and graduate students in an instructor role.

In Fall 2025, CTL is offering two forms of orientation:

• Comprehensive guidance online, available to graduate students anytime
• An in-person live orientation program on August 28

Descriptions and links for each orientation are below.

On-demand materials

This video introduces the goals and requirements of the TDP, describes why Columbia doctoral and MFA students might join, outlines what to expect, and suggests how to get started. Additional information is available online at https://tdp.ctl.columbia.edu

In-person orientation

CTL is also offering a live teaching orientation program on Thursday, August 28, for new TAs and instructors looking for teaching community, peer mentorship, and individual feedback heading into the new semester. This in-person offering complements the on-demand modules listed above.

Current Columbia graduate students can request to join the morning session or the full day program.

Morning program: Experienced TA panel and individual guidance for developing first day of class plans and policies

Full day program: In addition to morning session, lunch with experienced TAs and practice teaching support

Fall programming preview

New! CTL Calendar for graduate students

We’re delighted to introduce a new way to stay on top of teaching development offerings at Columbia: the CTLgrads Program Calendar. This calendar includes workshops running at CTL, Lead Teaching Fellows offerings in departments, and application deadlines for CTL seminars and fellowships. 

You can browse the calendar as well as subscribe to it for ongoing access.

Work with CTL as a 2025-26 Fellow in Academic Administration (applications due today)

The GSAS Fellowships in Academic Administration (FAA) program offers advanced doctoral students in Arts and Sciences departments the opportunity to gain experience in administrative offices across Columbia’s campuses. This program enhances graduate student professional development by supplementing the training GSAS students receive in research and teaching with an introduction to the day-to-day operations of the University. The experience allows students to cultivate a stronger professional profile and develop administrative skills in preparation for any future career.

Applicants can apply for opportunities in specific offices, including CTL. The CTL FAA works closely with CTL directors to support the development, assessment, and communication of the Teaching Development Program (TDP), contributing to the design and delivery of programming that helps graduate students grow as reflective, evidence-based instructors.

Open to doctoral students in Arts and Sciences. Applications are DUE TODAY August 11.

Upcoming workshops

Faster, Fairer: Using Gradescope for Grading in Science & Engineering

Join us for an introduction to Gradescope, a Columbia-supported tool that can help you manage your grading load. Gradescope is an assessment platform integrated with CourseWorks that allows you to build rubrics for faster and more equitable grading, respond to handwritten student work in an online environment, and provide feedback to students efficiently. This session will provide a demonstration of how to grade a handwritten assignment, provide feedback to students, and link your CourseWorks courses and assignments with Gradescope.

This session is best suited for: Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Economics, and Social Science courses which use paper-based or programming assignments.

This workshop counts towards track completion in the Teaching Development Program.

Date: Tuesday August 12
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Online

Reading the Room: How to Set Up Poll Everywhere

Join us for an introduction to Gradescope, a Columbia-supported tool that can help you manage your grading load. Gradescope is an assessment platform integrated with CourseWorks that allows you to build rubrics for faster and more equitable grading, respond to handwritten student work in an online environment, and provide feedback to students efficiently. This session will provide a demonstration of how to grade a handwritten assignment, provide feedback to students, and link your CourseWorks courses and assignments with Gradescope.

This session is best suited for: Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Economics, and Social Science courses which use paper-based or programming assignments.

This workshop counts towards track completion in the Teaching Development Program.

Date: Wednesday August 13
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Online

The CTL is here to help!

Upcoming programs and opportunities

Stay on top of programming and fellowship application deadlines at the CTL with the CTLgrads Program Calendar. Browse the calendar here, or better yet, subscribe!

Office Hours

Drop by CTL’s Office Hours for graduate students to consult with us about any aspect of teaching, CTL fellowships and other offerings, job market preparation, or making progress in the Teaching Development Program. Learn more about office hours.

Consultations

Graduate students can now request consultations to get support for their teaching and learning needs. The CTL provides consultations on a range of topics, including syllabus design, creating and refining a teaching statement, integrating instructional technologies into class activities, and presentation practices. Learn more and request a consultation.