Graduate Teaching Orientation (GTO) is dedicated to helping graduate students who are teaching for the first time at the University of Missouri. All graduate students (domestic and international) with teaching assistantships and responsibilities who have not previously taught at the University of Missouri are required to attend GTO. Please be sure to register for the event if you are any of the following:
Graduate Instructors either work independently to decide the order, specific materials, and the pace of a class, or work with a Course Coordinator to ensure they cover the same materials at the same pace as other sections of the class.
These studio graduate instructors rarely teach using a lecture format. Instead, students focus on developing technical skills and developing creative projects. These courses are often found in the design fields including art and architecture.
Discussion/Recitation leaders typically meet weekly with students in their section(s) to do things such as discuss class material, clarify concepts based on what the students have learned in a large lecture class, lead students in activities, and assist students with assignments.
Lab TAs are typically responsible for meeting weekly with students in a lab classroom, reviewing lab procedures when the lab begins, and working with students individually or in small groups throughout the lab experience. These include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics labs as well as a variety of computer-based lab experiences.
Class assistants help the instructor of a large lecture class. Responsibilities may include helping small groups of students during class activities, proctoring tests, and holding office hours to assist student
Office Hours Assistants hold office hours where students can come for individual assistance when needed.
Graders are responsible for grading assignments and tests as well as providing written or other feedback and results to students.
GTO will help prepare graduate students for the classroom. Sessions typically include the following:
- Campus offices, centers, and policies that students with teaching roles should be aware of
- Graduate student panel providing insights and advice based on their experiences teaching on campus
- Online technologies to support teaching and learning
- Building rapport with students on the first day and throughout the semester
- Inclusive teaching strategies to support the development of a community of learners
- Strategies for handling difficult situations that may come up when teaching