Graduate Teaching Orientation (GTO) is a REQUIRED event, dedicated to orienting all of MU’s (domestic and international) graduate students serving in a role in teaching at Mizzou for the first time.
Event overview: Friday, August 22, 2025 8:30 am – 4:30 pm – In-person.
Several morning sessions will be as one large group in Walter Johnson auditorium, Middlebush Hall 142, and in the afternoon smaller groups will engage in nearby classrooms. Light morning refreshments and lunch will be provided.
| 9:00am-9:15am | Welcome and Opening Remarks Dr. Jeni Hart, Dean of the Graduate School, Vice Provost for Graduate Studies Dr. Tori Mondelli, Founding Director, Teaching for Learning Center Dr. Enid Schatz, Associate Dean, Graduate School |
| 9:15am-10:00am | Campus Resource Panel This moderated session introduces key campus offices that provide essential services to instructors, including help with enrollment, accessibility accommodations, academic integrity, library resources, student well-being, and Title IX issues. A representative from each office will briefly share how they support teaching and learning and how you can connect with them when questions or challenges arise. Learning Outcomes: Understand the campus support networks and who to contact when you need help navigating administrative or student needs. Moderated by: Flower Darby, Associate Director, Teaching for Learning Center Panelists: – Brenda Selman, Assistant Vice Provost and University Registrar – Ashley Brickley, Director, Disability Center – Jeannette Pierce, Associate University Librarian for Research, Access, & Instructional Services – Ben Trachtenberg, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs & Director of the Office of Academic Integrity – Christine Even, Director of MU Counseling Center – Kelsey Forqueran, Senior Investigator and Outreach Coordinator, Office of Institutional Equity – Aaron Harms, Sr. Assistant Director, Student Support Services |
| 10:15am-11:00am | Intercultural Communication Strategies This required session offers practical guidance for graduate teaching instructors on navigating cultural dynamics in the classroom. We’ll explore how cultural backgrounds shape learning behaviors, communication styles, and expectations, and provide strategies for fostering inclusive, respectful learning environments. Through real-world examples and open discussion, you’ll leave with tools to build confidence, empathy, and adaptability in your teaching practice. Learning Outcomes: 1. Recognize how cultural backgrounds influence classroom behaviors, communication styles, and learning expectations. 2. Apply teaching strategies that support students from different cultural contexts. Presented by Rachel Long, Teaching Assistant Instructional & Language Support |
| 11:00am-12:00pm | Helpful Advice: Graduate Student Panel Session Description: This engaging panel discussion featuring experienced graduate teaching assistants will share practical insights and personal stories from their time in the classroom. Moderated by a faculty member, this session will explore key aspects of the TA experience, including building rapport with students, navigating challenging classroom situations, and fostering student centered learning environments. Panelists will also offer advice on what to expect in your role, common pitfalls to avoid, when to reach out to your supervisor or department, and who on campus can support you. This is a great opportunity to learn from your peers, ask questions and gain confidence as you prepare for the semester ahead. Learning Outcomes: 1. Identify effective strategies for building rapport with students as a TA 2. Describe approaches to managing difficult classroom situations with professionalism and empathy 3. Engage in student-centered teaching practices that support student needs Moderated by Doug Valentine, Assistant Teaching Professor, Honors College |
| 12:45pm-1:45pm | Supporting Your Professional Development Description: This session introduces two key campus partners dedicated to supporting your growth as an educator. The presenters will highlight the wide range of professional development opportunities available to you for all modalities of teaching and learning. Topics will include: classroom strategies, AI in higher education, academic freedom, Canvas (Learning Management System), and using technology effectively. Learn about the new MU badge for graduate students who complete our Graduate Student & Postdoc Teaching for Learning Development Program–a series of online sessions that focus on essential teaching competencies. Learning Outcomes: 1. Identify the professional development services and teaching support offered by the T4LC and Mizzou Online. 2. Understand how to access workshops, consultations, and resources that support effective teaching practices 3. Register for on-going professional development, including the new badge for essential teaching competencies. Presented by Dr. Tori Mondelli and Dr. Danna Wren |
| 1:45pm-2:00pm | General Discussion with Q&A This session provides space for you to ask questions, share reflections and seek clarification on topics covered throughout the orientation. Moderated by Dr. Tori Mondelli, Founding Director, Teaching for Learning Center |
| 2:15pm-4:15pm | Putting It All together: Role-Specific Breakouts In this capstone session, you will break into smaller groups, based on specific teaching roles. You will take a more focused look into the responsibilities, challenges and strategies most relevant to your role. Facilitated by experienced instructors, these discussions will provide space to ask targeted questions, share ideas, and begin planning for the semester ahead with peers in similar roles. Learning Outcomes: 1. Understand the importance of your role as a TA, GI, or grader and how you can support student learning. 2. Learn and discuss teaching approaches and/or tools tailored to your specific assignment type. For example, reflect on how to support all learners, lead discussions, ask effective questions, and/or hold productive office hours. 3. Participate in role-playing or case study discussions to explore and respond to challenging teaching situations. Graduate Instructors – Dawn Heston, Associate Teaching Professor, School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Lab – Bethany Stone, Curators Distinguished Teaching Professor, Biological Sciences Reader/Grader – Lydia Bentley, Associate Director, Teaching for Learning Center, Assistant Teaching Professor, ELPA Recitation/Discussion – Steve Klien, Associate Teaching Professor, Communication Studio – Deborah Huelsbergen, Curators Distinguished Professor, School of Visual Studies Class Assistant – Flower Darby, Associate Director, Teaching for Learning Center |
| 4:15pm–4:30pm | Reflection and Feedback During this time, we will provide a link for feedback and give you some time to reflect and make notes. |