Preparing to Teach

An article posted today on Inside Higher Ed discusses a teaching certificate program that has been implemented at Temple University. The program is open to both current and matriculated graduate students, and is designed to supplement graduate training for those who plan or already teach at community colleges. The need for such a program arose from the realization that many instructors begin their careers with Ph.D.s and masters degrees but without teaching experience. The certificate consists of a three-credit seminar on teaching in higher education and three one-credit modules on specific topics such as assessment, diversity and inclusive teaching, and teaching with technology. San Francisco State University offers similar graduate certificates in the teaching of composition and teaching post-secondary reading.

Several universities in Canada have begun to incorporate teaching training into their educational programs. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador requires all instructors who deliver vocational training in private institutions to complete the Post-Secondary Instructors Certificate. The Faculty of Education at Memorial University also offers two diploma programs in adult teacher education and post-secondary education. As well, the School of Graduate Studies offers the Graduate Program in Teaching (GPT) and Teaching Opportunities for Graduate Students (TOGA). The Centre for Leadership in Learning (CLL) at McMaster University offers teaching support for students, teaching assistants and faculty, including Education 750, a course that graduate students can complete as part of their program and receive full credit.

The importance of such graduate teaching programs has become apparent as far too many applicants vie for too few academic positions, and many new graduates turn to community colleges or smaller institutions for teaching employment. More can certainly be done, however, in preparing graduate students for teaching at the college/university level, easing the transition from student to teacher, and helping longtime instructors with new teaching technologies.