TA Orientation

I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.

Albert Einstein

The Center for the Advancement of Teaching welcomes you to FIU!

As a teaching assistant (TA), you play a vital role in this University. Your responsibility in the classroom is to provide learning experiences that facilitate student learning. Your transition and training for this new role include completing the TA Orientation.

The Teaching Assistant (TA) Orientation is a mandatory requirement for new graduate teaching assistants (TAs). By the end of the Orientation, TAs will be able to:

  • provide examples of typical TA roles and responsibilities and practices for a successful TA experience;
  • identify and apply practices that promote student learning; are supported by evidence; respect diversity; and are accessible to all students;
  • describe salient characteristics of FIU students and articulate some of the corresponding instructional implications;
  • apply important university, state, and federal teaching policies relevant to TAs; and
  • access advanced professional development opportunities focused on various aspects of teaching and learning.

IMPORTANT: For questions about TA assignments, schedule, stipend, and/or payroll, TAs must contact their Graduate Program Director. 


The Orientation is comprised of online modules on Develop, FIU's professional development platform, and a virtual Q&A with a panel of experienced TAs.

The Q&A is on Thursday, August 10th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EDT via Zoom. TAs will receive the Zoom link via email and on Develop. Recording will be available on Develop within a week of the meeting. 

While the orientation is self-paced, all requirements must be completed by Friday, September 1st, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. 

TAs can self-enroll on the TA Orientation & Certificate Program page

TAs are encouraged to share their questions and/or concerns regarding their TA-ship in the Pre-Orientation Survey by Friday, July 28th. A panel of experienced TAs will be sharing this input and suggestions on FIU Develop.

The CAT is here to support you on your journey. We invite and encourage you to stop by our office (PC 237), call (305-348-4214), or email (teach@fiu.edu) when you have teaching questions and concerns whether big or small!