Graduate teaching assistants are essential to the delivery of undergraduate teaching at universities where the number of undergraduates is large and the size of the faculty is small enough to be affordable. For maximum effectiveness, graduate teaching assistants must have clearly defined roles, appropriate training and proper faculty supervision. Increase the frequency and availability of TA testing and evaluation, and monitor the effectiveness of these tools. Ensure ongoing monitoring of TA performance by faculty with oversight responsibilities. Reward teaching excellence more effectively.
Excellent teaching stands at the core of the undergraduate experience.
The sorts of recognition and honors that currently accrue to our best teachers tend to be limited in scope. Very few national awards recognize teaching at the university level, and campus, college and departmental awards have tended to be less prestigious than comparable recognition for achievements in scholarship and research. Increase and give greater prominence to awards honoring exceptional teaching by TAs and faculty. Seek private support of teaching recognition, including endowed professorships and chairs. Develop mechanisms to ensure consistently high quality of graduate programs across the campus.