Michigan State University is committed to partnering with graduate programs, faculty and the Graduate Employees Union to provide a wide variety of professional development experiences in support of all MSU graduate teaching assistants (GTAs). This effort is particularly crucial because it is the graduate teaching assistants at Michigan State that often provide undergraduate students with their first exposure to core courses in a wide variety of disciplines. As such, graduate teaching assistants play a crucial role in Michigan State University’s efforts to ensure academic success among the institution’s undergraduate population.
GTA Email Communication
Once you are a GTA or International GTA you will automatically be added to the GTA email list and periodically receive updates about ongoing professional development opportunities.
Professional Development Opportunities for Graduate Teaching Assistants
Professional development opportunities for Graduate Teaching Assistants have been organized with your GTA experience in mind. Opportunities include August orientation programs (New GTA Institute and International GTA Orientation) as well as some additional events. You can find the previous year's information about the two August orientation programs within both "First-Time GTA" sections and information about additional events in all three sections as relevant. Whether you are a first time GTA (domestic or international) or a returning GTA, we have events you will want to attend!
Attention NEW 2025-26 Graduate Teaching Assistants
Registration Information for 2025-26 GTAs will be available in April 2025
Please contact Dr. Stefanie Baier at GRADTeaching@grd.msu.edu with any questions regarding the Graduate Teaching Assistant Program.
Ongoing Teaching Professional Development and Support
GRaduate Educator Advancement and Teaching (GREAT) Office
- Check out all the ongoing GRaduate Educator Advancement and Teaching (GREAT) workshops and sessions supported by the GTA TLC: https://grad.msu.edu/GTATLC
- For Lunch and Learns and teaching related workshops check the Graduate School Calendar.
Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation
Check out the CTLI calendar for workshops and sessions offered by the center.
MSU IT Technology Training and Consultations
Collaboration Tools Training
Available all semester and offered at no cost, training is available on collaboration tools like Zoom, Spartan 365, and specific Microsoft apps like Teams, OneNote, OneDrive, Outlook, and Forms. Virtual-led training courses and on-demand course recordings are all available in addition to weekly office hours for those who have questions about content shared in the courses. Visit SpartansLearn.msu.edu for details, course dates, and registration.
Learning and Development Opportunities for Educators
MSU IT Educational Technology provides virtual training for educators and anyone in the MSU community to become familiar with technology in the classroom. Learn about a variety of subjects including accessibility, D2L - Brightspace, MediaSpace, and Spartan A11y. Visit our #iteachmsu Commons article for a list of upcoming learning and development opportunities and how to register.
