Teaching Resources

Campus Resources To Support Graduate Teaching Assistants

Doctoral students who plan to pursue a career in academe will find many opportunities at Binghamton University to develop and practice their teaching skills.

All incoming teaching assistants participate in a two-day orientation. In addition, Binghamton University encourages regular teaching discussions for faculty and teaching assistants, in which teachers share ideas, approaches, and successful strategies for teaching in a wide variety of fields.

We are proud to be one of the first campuses nationally to offer a Certificate in College Teaching. Both master's and doctoral students practice their teaching with close supervision by a faculty member in the same discipline. These students also attend university-wide and departmental teaching events and workshops. Finally, students develop a teaching philosophy and submit a portfolio of materials related to their teaching experiences.

We recognize that by supporting our TAs we enrich the experience of our undergraduate students as well. Our undergraduates are bright, motivated, and questioning; teaching on the Binghamton campus is stimulating and rewarding for TAs. Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Research distinguish some of the most successful graduate students at Binghamton University.

These experiences prepare our doctoral graduates for academic teaching jobs at excellent institutions throughout the nation and the world

University-Wide TA Orientation

Required for all entering or newly funded TAs. Held every August, the orientation includes large group presentations, small group discussions, and focused opportunities to learn about teaching.

Department or Program Training:

Varies from a four credit course in some departments to one credit course in others. Some programs also have orientations, brown bag seminars, or workshops; some have occasional guest speakers on topics related to teaching. Length and content varies.

University-Wide Excellence in Teaching Awards for Graduate Students:

Two nominations are requested from each graduate program by the Graduate Office, and awards are made at a ceremony in the spring semester. Some departments and programs have awards for TAs as well.