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CTL works to prepare graduate students to be part of an instructional team as TAs or to teach their own classes at Penn. In addition, CTL has a number of programs and services to help graduate students as they go on the job market and imagine themselves as future faculty.

Workshops

Each academic year, CTL offers over 100 teaching workshops, at CTL and in departments across campus, which are open to all graduate students. These events are conversational and typically allow participants to learn about teaching from experienced faculty.

Graduate Workshop Events

CTL Graduate Fellows

Each year CTL selects a cohort of Graduate Fellows from nominees put forward by departments and programs in recognition of their teaching excellence. Under the mentorship of CTL staff, the fellows design and deliver teaching workshops, organize conversations on teaching in their departments, and perform peer observations of teaching for graduate students across campus.

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Job Market Consultations

CTL staff are available to work with graduate students preparing for the academic job market, consulting on cover letters, teaching portfolios, and preparation for screening interviews and campus visits.

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Teaching Certificate

The CTL Teaching Certificate provides a structure for doctoral students to reflect upon their teaching alongside peers, through five workshops, a teaching observation and a culminating teaching philosophy session. Upon completion, a notation appears on one's transcript.

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TA Training

CTL runs a variety of TA Training programs for new TAs, equipping them to work with students in the classroom or lab, to grade, and to be part of an instructional team. Schools or departments determine which training their TAs should attend. Experienced TAs can apply to work as TA Trainers.

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Observations & Consultations

Graduate student instructors may request a teaching observation or consultation with either a CTL Graduate Fellow or CTL staff. Staff from a variety of disciplines are available to discuss any aspect of your teaching.

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Mini-Courses

CTL Mini-Courses provide structured opportunities to delve into a wide variety of teaching topics, from classroom practices to course design and mentorship. These programs range from four to eight weeks and can count towards the CTL Teaching Certificate.

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Workshops By Request

CTL leads teaching workshops by request. For interested schools, departments, programs or other organizations at Penn, CTL can provide graduate student workshops on a wide range of teaching topics — from course design to classroom strategies to professional development.

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