Returning TA Training Requirements
If you are a returning TA (meaning you have completed NEO and are entering your second semester of teaching or more), you are required to complete Returning TA Training. This involves:
- Enrolling in the Returning TA Canvas course and completing the quiz
Enroll in the Canvas Course here
- Attending the 90-minute Advanced TA Skills Workshop, which is described later in this web page.
NOTE: If you are a volunteer for NEO, you do not have to attend the workshop but are still expected to complete the Canvas quiz.
Advanced TA Skills Workshop
If you have taken NEO (New Educators Orientation) and are continuing to teach more than one semester, you are required to attend a workshop for continuing education.
We will be offering this workshop, the Advanced TA Skills Workshop, at two different times:
- Wednesday, August 26th, 2-3:30 pm, Wendt Commons room 410
- Friday, September 4th, 9-10:30 am, Wendt Commons room 332
Register for Advanced TA Skills Workshop here
Other Advanced Teaching Training Resources
If you would like more opportunities to develop your teaching skills, there are a wealth of options on the UW Madison campus.
Web Resource: Teaching Assistant Guide
CEETE, in collaboration with the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Mentoring, has developed a web resource specifically for UW-Madison TAs. This website shares information about training requirements, how to handle difficult situations as a TA, and more!
Optional Workshop: Navigating Challenges with Students in Distress
Do you feel ill-equipped to support students who are dealing with significant mental health challenges, academic stress, or other personal problems? This workshop helps you gain confidence in directing students toward resources that can best support them. You are not alone!
Date TBD for Fall 2026: stay tuned!
Campus Program: WISCIENCE
WISCIENCE provides support to graduate students interested in science communication and STEM teaching. They offer a Scientific Teaching Fellows Program, classes about STEM teaching, and more!
Campus Program: DELTA
The DELTA Program offers graduate students professional development in teaching and mentoring. DELTA offers Research Mentor Learning Communities, an internship program, as well as one-off events to build your skills with other graduate students across campus.
TA Awards
There are teaching awards on campus to recognize exceptional TAs, including those in the College of Engineering!
Awards include: Early Excellence in Teaching (for those who have taught fewer than 4 semesters), Advanced Achievement in Teaching (for those who have taught more than 4 semesters but are not in their final year of graduate school), Capstone Teaching (for dissertators who plan to defend within that year), and more.
Consider applying for an award! CEETE can help you prepare.