New Teaching Assistant (TA) Orientation and Training is held each semester for all new TAs; informing them of their responsibilities, providing instruction on tech tools (i.e., Canvas), and sharing other essential resources.
Accommodations will be made if you are unable to attend the live components. To request accommodations, or if you have questions, please contact cetl@uwm.edu.
Completion of the following is considered mandatory and a condition of all new TA appointments during their first semester:
- Self-paced Orientation
- TA Orientation
- Monthly Training Sessions
Self-paced TA Orientation
The Self-paced TA Orientation serves as an essential first step in preparing new TAs for teaching success at UWM. When you are ready, click the “Join Self-Paced TA Orientation” button to begin. This training takes about 2 hours to complete and should be finished before the official start of classes.
The self-paced orientation equips new TAs to:
- Prepare for their first week of classes, including classroom logistics and strategies for connecting with students.
- Gain hands-on training in Canvas and an introduction to Vevox, UWM’s student response system.
- Learn best practices for working with international students and supporting student health.
- Connect with campus resources and support networks.
TA Orientation
This in-person kickoff session welcomes new Teaching Assistants (TAs) to the UWM teaching community and equips them with the tools needed to succeed in your first month as a TA.
By the end of this session, you will:
- Understand the role and expectations of a TA at UWM.
- Learn practical strategies for supporting students and handling challenging classroom situations.
- Explore inclusive teaching approaches to foster equitable learning environments.
- Learn how to navigate Canvas including initial grading and student messaging.
- Explore how to facilitate meaningful discussions with students.
- Gain insider perspectives from a panel of experienced TAs during an open Q&A.
This kickoff is designed to provide you with immediate strategies for your classroom, while connecting you with the people and resources who will support your success throughout the year.
Location
Engelmann Hall (ENG), RM B73
2033 E Hartford Ave,
Milwaukee, WI 53211
Date and Time
January 30, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location
Engelmann Hall (ENG), Room 105
2033 E Hartford Ave,
Milwaukee, WI 53211
Date and Time
September 4, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Monthly Training Sessions
To continue scaffolding TA support and learning from the initial TA Orientation, we provide just-in-time training sessions on the first Friday of each month, in-person, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Each session is designed to give TAs timely, practical tools for the semester ahead. Participation is mandatory for all new Teaching Assistants during their first semester.
February 6 – Grading Survival Kit
Grading can quickly become overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. This session provides time-saving strategies and tools to make grading more efficient, consistent, and fair for both TAs and students. You’ll learn how to:
- Use Canvas rubrics to streamline evaluation and provide clear feedback.
- Apply SpeedGrader tips to manage large volumes of student work.
- Balance grading with your own workload using practical time management strategies.
The Academic Success Center will also join us to explain the academic progress report process and how TAs play a role in supporting student success. In addition, UWM Libraries will share how their services and resources can help TAs set students up for success in research, writing, and course projects.
March 6 – Feedback to Help Students Learn
Feedback is more than just a grade—it’s one of the most powerful tools for student growth. In this session, you’ll explore how to provide constructive, meaningful feedback that motivates students and deepens learning. Topics will include:
- Distinguishing between grading vs. feedback and how to do both effectively.
- Using Canvas tools to deliver timely, targeted comments.
- Strategies for balancing efficiency with student impact.
- Supporting students through their mid-term experience.
To broaden your perspective on supporting students, this session will also feature insights from the Student Health and Wellness Center on recognizing and responding to student well-being concerns as well as balancing TA work with mid-term grading with your own assignments and school work, along with International Student Support for tips on best practices for working with international students in the classroom.
April 3 – Planning for Upcoming Courses
As the semester winds down, it’s important to finish strong while also setting yourself up for success in spring. This session helps you reflect on your teaching so far and plan ahead with confidence. We’ll focus on:
- Wrapping up fall courses and supporting students during finals.
- Identifying lessons learned and applying them to your future teaching.
- Reviewing the process of Explorance Blue for final course evaluations.
- Organizing your workload and expectations for the next semester.
May 1 – End of Year TA Celebration for all TAs
Join the fellow TAs, the Graduate School, and support units across campus in celebrating all the work of the TAs from throughout the year. Stay tuned for registration information and location!
October 2 – Grading Survival Kit
Grading can quickly become overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. This session provides time-saving strategies and tools to make grading more efficient, consistent, and fair for both TAs and students. You’ll learn how to:
- Use Canvas rubrics to streamline evaluation and provide clear feedback.
- Apply SpeedGrader tips to manage large volumes of student work.
- Balance grading with your own workload using practical time management strategies.
The Academic Success Center will also join us to explain the academic progress report process and how TAs play a role in supporting student success. In addition, UWM Libraries will share how their services and resources can help TAs set students up for success in research, writing, and course projects.
November 6 – Feedback to Help Students Learn
Feedback is more than just a grade—it’s one of the most powerful tools for student growth. In this session, you’ll explore how to provide constructive, meaningful feedback that motivates students and deepens learning. Topics will include:
- Distinguishing between grading vs. feedback and how to do both effectively.
- Using Canvas tools to deliver timely, targeted comments.
- Strategies for balancing efficiency with student impact.
- Supporting students through their mid-term experience.
To broaden your perspective on supporting students, this session will also feature insights from the Student Health and Wellness Center on recognizing and responding to student well-being concerns as well as balancing TA work with mid-term grading with your own assignments and school work, along with International Student Support for tips on best practices for working with international students in the classroom.
December 4 – Spring Success Planning
As the semester winds down, it’s important to finish strong while also setting yourself up for success in spring. This session helps you reflect on your teaching so far and plan ahead with confidence. We’ll focus on:
- Wrapping up fall courses and supporting students during finals.
- Identifying lessons learned and applying them to your future teaching.
- Reviewing the process of Explorance Blue for final course evaluations.
- Organizing your workload and expectations for the next semester.
May 1 – End of Semester TA Celebration for all TAs
Join the fellow TAs, the Graduate School, and support units across campus in celebrating all the work of the TAs from throughout the year. Stay tuned for registration information and location!
