Centers for Teaching and Learning: Investing in Your Teaching as a Graduate Student
by Sarah Pedzinski and Gabrielle Stecher | Xchanges 18.1/2, Spring 2024
The Spectrum of CTL Opportunities
Each CTL will have its own unique flair and approach to graduate student programming. Some CTLs have events such as workshops and reading groups geared specifically towards graduate students that allow communities of like-minded grads to flourish while others allow graduate students to work alongside faculty to master new pedagogical skills. The latter scenario is not something that should be intimidating. Everyone who steps foot into this environment wants to learn from each other to serve their students better.
When anyone first looks at the impressive list of CTL events, it may seem overwhelming. However, CTLs run with a vast audience in mind, and thus allow for multiple levels of engagement. As a graduate student, you can strategically choose events based on your interest, time, and ability. Some events, like the first one that Sarah attended, are marketed specifically for graduate students. In our discussions of CTL events, we identified a spectrum of engagement opportunities. At one end, participants can briefly engage with ideas about pedagogy. Workshops and webinars allow for engaging in conversations focused on the balance of pedagogical praxis and theory. Many practicums don’t have the time or resources to engage with this equilibrium fully, but understanding both scales is crucial in the work of CTLs.
At the other end of the spectrum, graduate students can be deeply involved, even working as contract-experts for CTLs by hosting and presenting teaching strategies alongside CTL staff. CTLs concentrate on serving the university community through useful teaching practices and education; as I (Sarah) can testify, they will respond enthusiastically to instructor engagement. In fact, some of the best ideas for workshops or learning communities (year-long groups that meet to learn about a multitude of pedagogical topics) come from instructor-suggested ideas. Other CTLs may also have a blog or podcast where ideas can be pitched. The middle of the spectrum involves a mid-level engagement, where grads can engage with learning and applying specific skills to their courses through design institutes and individual consultations with educational specialists, like Sarah.
Additionally, many teaching centers offer graduate pedagogy certificates that are a fantastic way to concretize your burgeoning pedagogical expertise. If you’re not ready to commit to a certificate, you may be eligible to apply for grants and awards through your CTL. Certificates, grants, and awards can certainly be highlighted on your CV, but you can also create a record of attended events to highlight your commitment to professional development.