CELT Launches Essentials in Teaching and Learning Badge for Graduate Students
CELT is excited to launch the Essentials in Teaching and Learning digital badge program for graduate students, postdocs, professional students, and postgraduate fellows or trainees.
Graduate instructors and teaching assistants are central to the undergraduate teaching mission of the University of Kentucky; the first principle of the University's strategic plan, the UK PURPOSE, is putting students first. Graduate TAs enter these pivotal roles, however, with uneven experience, training, and resources/support for teaching effectiveness. CELT fills this gap through the Essentials in Teaching and Learning Badge. This opportunity will provide graduate teaching assistants with an opportunity to learn about the essentials of teaching practice, curricular design, and student engagement and apply what they've learned in their various instructional roles.
In addition to enhancing the learning experiences of the students that these TAs support, participants in this badge program will gain valuable professional development and self-efficacy around teaching in higher education with a microcredential to distinguish their work in this area. Participants of the CELT Essentials in Teaching and Learning Badge will attend a workshop series and virtual discussions and complete reflections focused on teaching and learning practices. This badge aligns with UK Strategic Plan objectives SF2 and OP2.
“Seeing this badging opportunity for graduate student teaching assistants come to fruition is an exciting moment. It’s my hope that this badge empowers graduate teaching assistants to confidently embark on their teaching journey and shape powerful student learning experiences," said Ashley Sorrell, senior faculty/instructional consultant at CELT, assistant director of graduate student professional enhancement in the Graduate School, and creator and coordinator of the Essentials in Teaching and Learning badge program.
Since its founding in 2010, CELT has supported graduate students' development through consultations, workshops, midsemester student feedback, learning communities, and partnership with the colleges and the Graduate School. “Graduate teaching assistants are foundational to UK’s undergraduate teaching mission. They consistently show their dedication to this mission through their teaching," said Sorrell. This badge is just one way we can officially recognize that dedication and commitment to students and to their continued professional development.”
Participants can enroll in the badge program by visiting the CELT badges page and clicking "enroll" next to the Essentials in Teaching and Learning badge.