Support for Graduate Teaching Assistants

Graduate Teaching Assistants play a vital role in student learning at Oklahoma State University. The Institute for Teaching and Learning Excellence (ITLE) is here to support Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) in the same way we support faculty and instructional staff by providing guidance, resources, and professional development grounded in evidence-based teaching practices.

Professional Development for GTAs

New GTAs are required to complete training to ensure all instructors and instructional assistants at OSU are prepared to provide effective instruction. ITLE offers two required events for GTAs in their first year of assistantship, along with additional programming throughout the year to support ongoing teaching and learning development.

The required event for new GTAs is the GTA Conference, which is offered once per semester.

• Fall: always the Wednesday before the start of the semester
• Spring: always the Tuesday before the start of the semester

GTAs in their first year of assistantship are required to attend both conferences.

Returning GTAs (those with one or more years of teaching experience) may attend if space allows. Due to the large number of GTAs on campus, we are not able to accommodate everyone in the in-person conference. Priority is given to GTAs teaching for the first time. Returning GTAs or those with prior experience will be placed on a waiting list and notified if space becomes available.

Across the university, the term GTA may refer to a variety of roles. You should plan to attend the conference if you will, or may, serve in any of the following capacities:

• Teach a course section as the primary instructor
• Lead a recitation or discussion section
• Facilitate a laboratory section
• Assist a faculty member with teaching
• Serve as a grader for a course
• Work as a tutor for a course or academic program

If your assistantship does not involve these responsibilities, you are not required to attend the conference; however, you are welcome to join the waiting list if you are interested.

Understanding the different ways students learn and applying effective instructional strategies is essential for all aspiring teachers and instructors. The ITLE GTA Conference provides a foundation for building your understanding of learning modalities and effective instruction techniques.

Topics covered may include effective teaching practices; classroom management strategies; assessment and grading standards; student accommodations; academic integrity; and applicable institutional policies.

If you are required to attend but are unable to participate in the conference, notify your department and/or faculty supervisor. You do not need to notify ITLE if you will miss. You are encouraged to attend future GTA professional development opportunities offered through ITLE. Please note that no virtual option or recordings of the GTA Conference will be provided.

Save the Date for Fall 2026

The Fall GTA Conference, Teaching Starts Here:

Foundations for Effective Instruction

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Participants will gather at the ConocoPhillips Alumni Center from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM.

Sessions will address classroom management, fair and efficient grading, student accommodations and support resources, academic integrity, and the evolving role of AI in teaching. By the end of the day, GTAs will leave with clear expectations, campus connections, and actionable tools they can immediately apply in labs, discussion sections, recitations, and online course environments.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register for the conference at least one week before the event, if possible. Registration details can be found on the ITLE website event calendar at: itleevents.okstate.edu

For questions, please contact ITLE at itle@okstate.edu