This Week for Grad Students: Make a plan this summer to complete the TDP! 🧭
Teaching Development Program
Planning for TDP credit? We can help!
If you are enrolled in the Teaching Development Program (TDP), summer is a great time to plan your path for completing a track. Completion of the Foundational Track of the TDP earns notation on Columbia University transcripts and a letter from CTL certifying substantive teaching development in graduate school.
CTL offers TDP participants a number of on-demand tools to help with understanding and completing requirements, including:
- A TDP program map
- Sample timelines for completion
- A checklist to track your completion of requirements
In addition, CTL staff and Teaching Consultants are available to consult with you individually to help you plan out your path to completion. Drop by office hours in person or connect with us via Zoom — your TDP concierge awaits!
Meet the TDP!
A four minute overview of CTL’s Teaching Development Program
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
Access video: Introduction to CTL’s TDP
Reminder: TDP completion deadlines
If you’re finishing the TDP ahead of an October 2025 degree conferral, make sure you bear in mind the deadlines to ensure transcript notation.
- Advanced Track: September 15
- Foundational Track: October 1
Upcoming Programs
Online offerings from CIRTL
The Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) runs free pedagogy workshops online, and because Columbia is a member of CIRTL, Columbia affiliates have priority for programs with limited registration. Some offerings are asynchronous and self-paced. Upcoming CIRTL events include:
- An Introduction to Evidence-Based Undergraduate STEM Teaching (Asynchronous series)
- Exploring Teaching Across Institutions: A Photographic Journey (Workshop on Tuesday, July 22, 1 – 2:30 pm ET)
These offerings can count towards track completion in the Teaching Development Program. Reach out to us to find out how.
🌟Resource Spotlight🌟
What we’re reading and hearing this summer
- Relationship-rich Eduction: How Human Connections Drive Success in College (ebook available through Columbia Libraries)
- Trust Moves in the Classroom (Dead Ideas in Teaching and Learning podcast episode)
The CTL is here to help!
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.