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:
Date: Friday, January 16, 2026 – Virtual.
Location: Zoom (details to be provided)
Schedule:
10:00am – 12:00 noon sessions for all participants
12:00 – 12:30: Lunch Break
12:30 – 2:30: Break out sessions to focus on specific roles
Canvas course: Modules to be completed by January 15, 2026 (enrollment into the course will be provided after you register)
| 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Welcome and Opening Remarks Dr. Tori Mondelli, Founding Director, Teaching for Learning Center 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 |
| 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Supporting Intellectual Pluralism & Maintaining Academic Freedom in Teaching and Learning This session will introduce you to proactive teaching strategies that honor intellectual pluralism and academic freedom. You’ll hear how to structure and manage in-class discussions and challenges. In addition to learning strategies, we hope the session will build your confidence in your GTA role. Learning Outcomes: 1. Define and recognize the roles of intellectual pluralism and academic freedom in shaping classroom climate. 2. Explore proactive instructional strategies. Dr. Tori Mondelli, Founding Director, Teaching for Learning Center Dr. Bethany Stone, Curators Distinguished Teaching Professor, Biological Sciences |
| 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | 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 |
| 2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Reflection and Feedback During this time, we will provide a link for feedback and give you some time to reflect and make notes. |