About the TATP

The Teaching Assistants’ Training Program (TATP) supports teaching at the university and beyond by delivering programs and workshops that foster inclusive and innovative teaching practices for first-time TAs and Course Instructors and those wishing to develop a range of teaching specializations

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TATP Contact and Staff Info

Values

Learn more about the values that inform the TATP's work.

Equity at the TATP

Explore the foundations of our work, our commitment to inclusive practices, and the steps we take to promote access and fairness within our educational community.

Learning Outcomes

Discover the TATP's Program Level Learning outcomes

Alumni Portraits

Discover how working as a peer-trainers had an impact on former staff.

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Teaching Assistants' Training Program Values

At the TATP, we are committed to empowering graduate students like you with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to excel in teaching roles within higher education. Our program focuses on fostering accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion, while emphasizing collaboration, mentorship, and community building.

As part of the Teaching Assistants’ Training Program, we hold the following values at the core of our initiatives:

Program Level Learning Outcomes

Developing a strong teaching identity and cultivating a reflective practice are vital components of your growth as an educator. Through these learning outcomes, you will embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the values, methods, and skillsets that define your teaching practice. By critically reflecting on your experiences and continuously developing your approach, you will explore and situate yourself within the evolving landscape of teaching, integrating diverse perspectives and pedagogical approaches. Through participation in our programs, you will:

  • Identify, document, and articulate the values, methods, and skillsets that define your teaching practice. This will allow you to align your teaching approach with your personal values and teaching philosophy.
  • Engage in critical reflection to continually develop and refine your teaching practice. By reflecting on your teaching experiences, seeking feedback, and embracing continuous improvement, you will enhance your effectiveness as an educator.
  • Explore and situate yourself within the evolving landscape of teaching in higher education and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). This includes staying informed about current trends, research, and innovations in the field of teaching and incorporating evidence-based practices into your teaching.

Inclusivity is a cornerstone of our program, and we believe in the transformative power of accessible, inclusive, and anti-oppressive pedagogies. This learning outcome centers around the examination and application of inclusive and universal design principles, aimed at removing institutional and systemic barriers to learning. Through active involvement in our programs, you will:

  • Examine and apply inclusive and universal design principles to remove institutional and systemic barriers to learning. You will develop the skills to create inclusive learning environments that accommodate diverse learners and promote equal opportunities for all students.
  • Engage with decolonizing and anti-oppressive pedagogical frameworks to integrate equity, Indigenization, and intercultural knowledge into your teaching. By critically examining power dynamics and biases, you will foster an inclusive and respectful learning environment that celebrates diversity and challenges systemic inequalities.
  • Adapt strategies for creating accessible (AODA-focused) learning environments and content. You will gain practical skills to design and deliver teaching materials that are accessible to students with disabilities, ensuring equal access to educational opportunities.

Teaching in higher education requires a comprehensive skill set and a deep understanding of effective teaching practices. This learning outcome focuses on equipping you with the knowledge and tools to excel in various teaching contexts. By engaging in our programs, you will:

  • Explore a range of diverse teaching approaches and models to develop skills and knowledge for online, hybrid, and in-person teaching. By familiarizing yourself with various pedagogical approaches, you will be equipped to engage students effectively in different learning contexts.
  • Identify and adapt University of Toronto policies related to teaching and learning, educational technologies, and student supports. Understanding the policies and resources available to you will enable you to navigate the university landscape and make informed decisions in your teaching practice.
  • Design engaging learning experiences that align learning outcomes, assessments, and student-centered teaching strategies. You will learn how to create meaningful learning experiences that foster student engagement, promote critical thinking, and facilitate the achievement of desired learning outcomes.

TATP Alumni Portraits

To celebrate the Teaching Assistants’ Training Program’s 20th anniversary, we contacted former TATP staff to ask how working as a peer-training impacted their later careers.

* In 2006, with the expansion of the TATP peer-training team, job titles changed from Director to Coordinator and Trainer.

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