Teaching Consultants (TCs)

“[The Teaching Consultants] are very nice and helped me a lot on how to teach and communicate with the students more effectively.”

Y.S., International TA

Program Summary

Observe and support an international TA who is new to teaching in a U.S. classroom.

Periodically throughout the semester, Teaching Consultants visit the section of a new international TA (ITA) who may need extra support. Volunteers sit in on the class as a student and observe what seems to be going well and what areas the TA could improve upon in the classroom. Teaching Consultants then meet with the international TA to discuss their observations. You must be a native speaker of English in order to apply for this position.

Program Outline

What do TCs do?

A few times throughout the semester, TCs visit the section of a new international TA who may benefit from some extra support. TCs sit in on the class as a student and observe what seems to be going well and what areas the TA could improve upon in the classroom. TCs then meet with the international TA to discuss their observations. This position also involves meeting with other TCs and the Program Director to discuss how best to work with each ITA.

Time Commitment for TCs

Generally 3-4 classroom visits followed by consultations, and 3 volunteer meetings per semester. You can sign up to visit a class that fits your schedule. 

Schedule for TCs

If selected for this position, you will be able to choose a class section that fits your schedule. You only visit class for the first hour.

Position Requirements

Advanced to superior proficiency in American English language and culture is required for this position. Otherwise, an interest in getting to know people from other cultures and to share one’s own culture is the only requirement. 

“It was wonderful to meet Y.S. and spend time with him in his classes this semester. Having not had any experiences in a Physics lab, I unexpectedly felt I learned something important just by sitting in during his classes! Y always impressed me with his intelligence, confidence, and friendliness. I respect the work that he does tremendously and wish him all the best as he continues on at the University.”

I.H., Teaching Consultant