CTAMP: Chemistry Teaching Assistant Mentoring Program

Overview

First-year graduate students typically serve as TAs for all three quarters of their first year. CTAMP is a supplement to the training sessions (undergraduate lab TA training and TAPDP) given to first years before the start of the school year in Fall. CTAMP pairs first year TAs with senior graduate students for training and support where mentors meet one-on-one and have personalized meetings with mentees once each quarter and once between quarters. Graduate students are provided with professional development while giving guidance to TAs along the entire journey of their first year! 

Milestones

Fall: One-on-one teaching observation and consultation with your mentor.

Winter: Observe your mentor or another senior graduate student teaching.

Spring Quarter: Mid-quarter check in, option for additional consultation with mentor or observation of senior TA.

Additionally, mentors check in with mentees between quarters to review student feedback and set teaching-related goals for their next teaching assignment.

Benefit to Mentors

  • Senior graduate students who serve as mentors gain experience guiding and training small groups of new graduate students. (Mentors do not need to be focused on a teaching-intensive career, but do need a proven track record of excellent teaching in the department.)

  • Mentor positions should be included in CV to highlight contributions to pedagogical training

  • Supervisory and team management experience is an asset regardless of career path. Formal training provides graduates with a competitive edge in the job market.

  • Time commitment:

    • Summer - 

      • Mentor training is two half-days. 

      • Mentors assist in training incoming TAs. 

      • Mentor training, lower division lab TA training preparation, lower division lab training

    • Quarterly ~10 hours total per quarter

Benefit to Mentees

  • Guidance with transition to graduate school

  • Strategies for efficient and effective grading

  • Improved time management

  • Communication skills

  • Classroom management support

  • A community of support

 

How to Apply

Mentors can access the CTAMP application HERE.

Email Renee Link at rlink@uci.edu or call (949) 824-6409 if you have any questions about the application process.