Program for Instructional Excellence

University-wide Support for Graduate Student Teaching Assistants (TAs)

To assist and support graduate student teaching assistants the Program for Instructional Excellence provides a variety of instructional support programs and services.

Annual Fall University-wide Teaching Conference (TA Orientation)

TA Orientation Handbook

The conference, an orientation to FSU teaching resources, policies, and best practices of learning and teaching, accommodates TAs across disciplines and with varied teaching responsibilities. It also satisfies the required TA training according to University-wide TA Standards.

Basics of Teaching @ FSU Online Training Series and Semester Workshops

This online training series provides an opportunity for a continuation of TA training beyond the annual PIE Graduate Student Teaching Conference. Click here for information on how to enroll in this training.

Certificate Programs

PIE Conference participants have an opportunity to earn a PIE Certificate through submitting reflective statements on the sessions they attend and by writing a teaching philosophy indicating knowledge and a commitment to teaching at FSU. An Advanced PIE Certificate can be earned by successful completion of the Basics of Teaching @ FSU online training series.

Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards

PIE also coordinates the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards (OTAA). These awards recognize graduate student teaching assistants (TAs) for their distinguished contributions to undergraduate student learning through excellence in instruction.

Support for Departments

PIE assists departments with TA training needs. This includes but is not limited to review of pedagogy materials, assistance in planning seminars, identifying methods for evaluating a TA training program, and/or facilitating focus groups with TAs to obtain feedback on departmental TA training. This TA Supervisor Handbook (3rd Edition) was designed to help departments mentor the TA/faculty relationship.

PIE Graduate Student Teaching Associate Assistantship

The PIE Graduate Student Teaching Associate Assistantship helps to improve teaching across campus by helping departments enhance their TA training programs and establish interdisciplinary connections and community among graduate students at FSU.