What are Graduate Teaching Fellows (GTFs)?

GTFs are a group of experienced, effective TAs and graduate student instructors who work with the Eberly Center to support the professional development of CMU graduate students regarding teaching. All GTFs receive training in consulting techniques, workshop design and facilitation, and evidence-based teaching strategies from the Eberly Center. 

What services do GTFs provide?

GTFs provide many critical consultation services for graduate students, including

• Classroom/guest lecture observations
• Lesson Planning Review
• Course & Syllabus Design 
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy 
• Future Faculty Program overviews
• Select Eberly Center workshops and programs

What does it take to be a GTF?

Here are some of the qualities we look for in GTFs:

• Enrollment in Ph.D. or Masters degree program at CMU
• Enrollment in the Eberly Center’s Future Faculty Program
• Experience as a TA or instructor at the college level
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to teaching and learning
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Sensitivity to teaching and learning needs of graduate students at CMU

What are expectations for being a GTF?

All Graduate Teaching Fellows at the Eberly Center have the following responsibilities:

• Participate in training on services GTFs provide
• Meet every other week at the Eberly Center, during the academic year, as members of a GTF teaching circle 
• Facilitate workshops in the Eberly Center’s Future Faculty Program.
• Conduct Classroom Observations and associated consultations for graduate students 
• Provide 1-on-1 consultations on teaching statements, course and syllabus designs, and lesson plans for graduate students.

In addition to the initial consultation training period, GTFs are expected to contribute around 45 hours of work per semester. This includes GTF teaching circle meetings and time for prep-work, and an average number of consultations and workshops per semester. 

GTFs are part-time positions and are typically paid hourly. They do not receive fringe benefits or tuition waivers.

Where can I learn more about being a GTF?

We are always happy to do informational interviews about the GTF program and talk to graduate students about educational development. Please email eberly-assist@andrew.cmu.edu if you have questions or would like to learn more.