Chemistry (Last name M-Z)

 Computer Science (Last name A-L)

Build confidence and clarity in the classroom. This interactive session helps new TAs develop presence, foster student dialogue, and create respectful learning environments through games, peer feedback, and practical strategies from experts in leadership and communication.

Partners in Sexual Violence Prevention (Nora Peterson)

As teaching assistants, graduate students play a key role in creating a safe campus environment. Join staff from the Women's Resources Center and the Title IX Office as we explore ways sexual misconduct may show up in the classroom and identify action steps for teaching assistants to take as partners in sexual violence prevention. [Culture and Diversity Session]

Exploring Human-Centered Engineering at the Siebel Center for Design (Saad Shehab)

Explore how human-centered design enhances engineering education with the Siebel Center for Design. This interactive session for TAs includes hands-on activities, practical insights, and a tour of the Siebel Center for Design—connecting theory to real-world challenges through design thinking.

Intercultural Communication in the Classroom (Kathryn Burden)

Have you ever encountered a puzzling intercultural situation? Did it leave you feeling confused and unsure of how to respond? Join us to decode that situation and discover how you can better communicate with those of different cultural backgrounds - particularly in the classroom! [Culture and Diversity Session]

Partnering With the Library to Better Support Student Research Challenges (Alex Deeke & David Ward)

Support student research with confidence. This session offers strategies for designing research assignments, partnering with librarians, and helping students navigate our complex academic  information ecosystem —equipping TAs to create student-centered, research-based learning experiences across disciplines.

Know Your Tools: Classroom Technology (Brendan Trauth)

The session will provide an overview of the Help Desk and available resources for classroom technology needs. We will review and demonstrate how to use the technology in a general-assignment classroom and common troubleshooting tips to resolve issues. Teaching is hard enough without having to worry about how to turn on the computer, so come to this session and get to know your tools!

So you Want More Discussion in Your Science Discussion Sections (Christian Ray)

There are different ways to encourage active participation and discussion in science classes. We will look at ways to engage your science students, especially in a discussion-type setting. 

Effectively Working with Students with Disabilities in your Classes (Christy Blew)

Come and explore some scenarios of what you can and should do when you have a student in your course with a Letter of Accommodation from DRES. What do you do when your students are struggling to thrive in your course? What are your responsibilities if they need testing accommodations? Is your course material accessible? Learn this and more! [Culture and Diversity Session]

Teaching With Compassion (Katherine Braught)

Learn how to teach with compassion—especially when students struggle. This session offers practical strategies for staying calm, giving supportive feedback, and managing stress, helping TAs foster better student outcomes and stronger student relationships without burning out.

An Introduction to First Generation Student Initiatives (Jennifer Mendez, Emily Wuchner, & Maria Emerson)

This session will introduce a campus-level resource for students who are among the first generation in their families to attend higher education. Attendees will gain a stronger understanding of shared terminology, relevant campus enrollment data, and how to make referrals to supportive staff/resources. [Culture and Diversity Session]

Managing Anxiety as a TA (Eden Rozing)

This session will focus on dealing with stress and anxiety as a teaching assistant to the benefit of both the educator and the students. We will briefly cover multiple topics, including potential sources of stress for TAs and how anxiety can impact teaching and learning, as well as possible strategies to minimize and manage these feelings.

Responding to Student Writing (Carolyn Wisniewski)

Learn to respond to student writing in ways that are efficient, consistent, and valuable to students. You will gain strategies for providing effective feedback to support student writing and motivation while being mindful of your teaching goals and labor.

GEO is the union and sole bargaining representative of TAs, GAs, and PGAs on campus. We advocate for all graduate student workers. Come learn about what a union is, how it operates, as well as get informed on your rights as a worker at UIUC. We will also focus on health care coverage and answer any and all questions you may have.

Writing Doesn’t Have to Hurt: Addressing Academic Writing Anxiety in Multilingual Classrooms (Nihan Sanic)

Among multilingual authors, academic writing anxiety (AWA) is a hidden but pervasive problem that frequently compromises their confidence, output, and long-term connection with writing.  This engaging workshop provides a useful and considerate method for recognizing, comprehending, and dealing with AWA in L2 writing classes. [Culture and Diversity Session]

Health, Wellness, and Well-being: A Conversation about Recognizing Stress & (potential) Burnout (Jeanine Bensken)

Let’s talk about recognizing and addressing physical/mental health needs for yourself and others we support in the academic community. We will talk about the importance of self-care and the link between connectedness/belonging and student success as we explore campus/community resources.

The Empowered TA: Teaching, Growing, and Taking Care (Alexia Patrice Hammonds)

Led by a current PhD student and TA, this session creates supportive space for new TAs to explore teaching with balance, boundaries, and self-awareness—blending practical tools and real stories to foster community, confidence, and compassion in your first semester.

Handling Difficult Classroom Situations (Abbas Aminmansour)

This session will cover establishing and uniformly applying course policies and practices to avoid difficult situations.  Further, the session will address what to do or what not to do in case difficult situations such as incivility occur in your class.  Finally, the working relationship between you and the course professor will be discussed relative to handling difficult situations.

Canvas at Illinois: Key Features for Teaching Assistants (Dan Hahn)

This interactive session will provide a basic orientation on how to use the Canvas Learning Management System. Topics include how to get started in a Canvas course, including content creation, assessments, grading and course management. We'll also cover features for communicating with students and how to configure course and notification settings. No previous experience with Canvas is necessary.

Teaching with Spurlock (Abigail Padfield Narayan)

As the world culture museum on campus, Spurlock offers TAs the opportunity have their students engage with our collection. The session will include brief intro to Spurlock, examples of classes, and time to plan a potential visit.

Using AI to Generate Canvas Quizzes (Jen Whiting)

Canvas quizzes allow students to test their knowledge, but they are labor intensive to create. This session will detail how to convert a lecture slide deck or piece of reading into a Canvas quiz using AI from start to finish.

LGBTQ Cultural Humility in the Classroom (Dane Rivas-Koehl)

The workshop covers LGBTQ terminology, pronoun use, and how to be affirming of LGBTQ students in the classroom. The workshop also provides resources for TAs such as inclusive syllabus statements, name change information, and an all-gender campus restroom map. [Culture and Diversity Session}

Make Teaching Fun Again: Creating engaging and interactive lesson plans for students (Emma McCabe)

Explore creative strategies to boost student engagement through interactive lessons. This session shares real classroom examples and invites participants to brainstorm their own ideas for making course material more dynamic and memorable.

Teaching an Undergraduate Lab (Rebecca Reck)

Learn essential strategies for teaching undergraduate STEM labs, including preparation, student support, grading, teamwork, inclusivity, and fostering a growth mindset.

Cultivating a positive classroom climate (Manny Rodriguez)

Working with students with different needs and expectations can be challenging. This session will focus on helping participants develop skills to create a welcoming classroom culture where students are empowered to engage, collaborate, and take ownership of their learning. [Culture and Diversity Session]

GEO is the union and sole bargaining representative of TAs, GAs, and PGAs on campus. We advocate for all graduate student workers. Come learn about what a union is, how it operates, as well as get informed on your rights as a worker at UIUC. We will also focus on health care coverage and answer any and all questions you may have.

Ready? Go! 7 facts x 5 actions x 16 weeks x 1 TA = ? How to be an excellent teacher and presenter. Practical advice, priorities, and some do's and don'ts I wish I'd known before I started teaching.

GEO is the union and sole bargaining representative of TAs, GAs, RAs, and PGAs on campus. We advocate for all graduate student workers. Come learn about what a union is, how it operates, as well as get informed on your rights as a worker at UIUC. We will also focus on health care coverage and answer any and all questions you may have.

Hidden Gems: Recognizing, Understanding, and Supporting FGLI Students in the Classroom (Casey Moore)

As the FGLI (first-generation, low/limited income) student population increases, understanding their unique challenges in higher education is crucial. This session explores fostering an inclusive environment and features FGLI students from the University of Illinois sharing their experiences. Join us to learn more. [Culture and Diversity Session]

High Enrollment Course Management in Canvas (Rachel Martiniak)

This workshop focuses on managing high enrollment courses in the Canvas learning management system. Topics include differences between groups and sections, gradebook settings, communication strategies, and other helpful tools. Basic Canvas knowledge is beneficial but not required.

Developing Responsive & Empathetic Teaching Practices Through HCD (Carrie James)

Our students bring a multitude of lived experiences and diverse cultural heritages with them into the classroom. In this workshop session, attendees will learn concrete practices to help them develop responsive and empathetic teaching practices by using a human-centered design (HCD) approach. [Culture and Diversity Session]

Effective Strategies for TAs in Group Projects (I-Chen Sang)

In this session, practical strategies for supporting students in group projects will be explored. Topics will include forming effective teams, setting realistic goals, maintaining progress throughout the project timeline, and fostering positive team dynamics. Each topic will be illustrated with real-world examples, and participants will engage in small-group discussions to brainstorm solutions and share experiences.

Giving Support So They Can Get the Grade: Best Practices for Online Teaching (Alesha Lewis)

Online coursework can present students with a new set of issues related to staying engaged with the class to achieve the best possible learning outcomes. From logistical considerations to building rapport in a virtual setting, this session covers general tips for being a successful online instructor, both for synchronous and asynchronous courses.

Introduction to creating accessible slide decks (Amber Dunse)

During this session, participants will practice essential tips for creating accessible PPT slides as well as understand the importance of an instructor's role, as a course content creator and adapter, in making accessible materials generally. Principles in this session draw on CITL's "MS PowerPoint: Accessibility best practices". If time, extension practice and resources will be made available for evaluating the accessibility of example slide decks. [Culture and Diversity Session]

Teaching in Small Groups: Tutorials, Discussions, and Office Hours (Kathleen McGowan)

This session will explore some useful techniques for teaching students in small groups. It will emphasize ways that small groups differ from lectures, and include strategies for facilitating discussions, keeping things engaging, building student resilience, and navigating course participation expectations.

Helping Distressed and Distressing Students (Ann Marie Morgan & Sue Stock)

More and more college students are experiencing significant mental health problems, which makes it likely you will encounter a student in distress. Come learn some basic skills on how to help these students, and gain information on important campus resources! [Culture and Diversity Session]

Best Practices for First-Time Teaching Assistants (James Steur)

This session offers tips, tricks, and best practices in the classroom for any first time TA. We’ll cover general expectations for first time TAs and common pitfalls, to help you get the most out of your first experience being in the classroom.

Entering college or graduate school can bring uncertainty—about readiness, teaching, or belonging. Acknowledging these struggles is powerful! In this session, explore strategies for fostering belonging and delivering effective instructor messaging to support both your students and yourself in academic transitions.

Teaching Smarter: How to Use AI in Classrooms Without Losing Control (Isha Chaudhary)

Explore how new TAs can use AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance teaching while avoiding risks like misinformation, bias, and academic dishonesty. Learn ethical strategies, classroom applications, and ways to foster thoughtful, responsible AI engagement.

Introduction to GenAI for teaching & Learning (Jim Wentworth)

In this beginner-level presentation you'll gain valuable insights into the evolving world of generative AI. We'll explore how GenAI can enhance teaching and learning while also giving you a glimpse into the potential future of these technologies. Don't forget to bring your laptop or mobile device to try out some free tools firsthand.

iClicker Instruction for Grad Academy (Em Charny, David Collier, & David Reid)

Join us to learn about how to set up iClicker polling for your classroom, how to connect the iClicker grades to Canvas, and how best to utilize polling during class.

Access for All: Making Your Digital Teaching Inclusive (Lindsey Sharp)

In this session you will learn how to ensure your digital materials are accessible to all students right from the start. This practical session covers your legal and ethical responsibilities with hands-on tips for making content accessible in Canvas, email, documents, and more. Walk away knowing what accessibility means, how to do it well, and where to find support when you need it. [Culture and Diversity Session]

The Power of Presentation: Enhancing your Slides for Engagement (Jamie Nelson)

Fostering Critical Thinking (Rachel Banke)

We want our students to become good critical thinkers, but it can be a difficult skill to define and teach. In this session, you will learn concrete strategies for promoting critical thinking in your discussions, labs, lectures, or office hours.  

Improving student engagement inside and outside the classroom (Rohit Ananthanarayana)

Keeping all the students engaged in a course may be nearly impossible, but that won’t stop us from trying! In this session we will discuss some teaching practices that can help students stay engaged and participate more, both inside and outside the classroom.

Proactive Accessibility in the Classroom (Brie Kunstman)

This workshop examines the importance of proactive accessibility in undergraduate teaching, offering strategies to foster inclusive learning environments. Participants will explore tools and pedagogical approaches that anticipate diverse student needs, promoting equitable access and engagement across higher education settings. [Culture and Diversity Session]