New TA Training Agenda
New TA Training by L&S Welcomes
New TAs from L&S
New TAs from schools and colleges outside L&S
TAs with prior teaching experience outside of UW
For TAs with prior teaching experience at UW, we partner with the Instructional Design Collaborative to offer the Returning TA Workshop.
Training Day Schedule
| Time | Topic | Presenter | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:45–9:30am | Check In (light breakfast provided) | L&S Teaching, Learning, and Academic Planning | Sewell Sciences Building Lobby |
| 9:45–10:15am | Welcome from L&S | L&S Interim Dean, | Sewell Sciences 6210 |
| 10:15-11:15am | Campus Partners Panel | Kyle Charters, Mel Freitag, Elaine Goetz, Wendy Ellis | Sewell Sciences 6210 |
| 11:30am-2:45pm | Workshops (lunch provided) | Teaching Mentors | Sewell Sciences (assigned rooms) |
| 3:00-4:00pm | TA Networks | Teaching Mentors | Sewell Sciences 6210 |
Check In
8:45-9:30am
Check in at the lobby of the Sewell Social Sciences building (see map). Light breakfast food available.
Welcome
9:45-10:15am
Learn about the role of TAs in the College of Letters and Science, the largest college at UW–Madison. We discuss how TAs impact student learning and explain the connection between social justice issues and good, sustainable teaching practices.
Interim Dean of the College of Letters & Science
Kristin R. Eschenfelder is the interim dean of the College of Letters & Science and a professor in the Information School. Eschenfelder holds a Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professorship, an award she received in 2015. Prior to assuming the role of interim dean on May 17, 2026, she served for seven years on the college’s leadership team as academic associate dean and associate director for the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS).
L&S Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Academic Affairs
Lynne Prost is Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Academic Affairs. She directs L&S TA professional development and supports graduate students and programs in interpreting and implementing graduate affairs policy. Lynne holds a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Washington.
L&S TA Training & Support Team
Our team includes (pictured from left to right): Cameron Jones, Teaching Assistant; Lynne Prost, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Academic Affairs; Morgan Henson, Project Assistant, Gullickson Fellow; B Dowling, Teaching Assistant
Guest Panel
10:15-11:15am
Session presenters share action-focused tips TAs can apply right away to support the learning of all students. This session includes a Q&A.
McBurney Disability Resource Center
Kyle Charters
Position title: Associate Director, Student Services
Email
Phone: (608) 262-6052
L&S Office of Inclusive Excellence and Organizational Equity
Mel Freitag
Position title: Assistant Dean of Inclusive Excellence and Organizational Equity
Email: mel.freitag@wisc.edu
Phone: 608-263-3353
Office of Student Assistance and Support
Elaine Goetz (she/her/hers)
Position Title: Graduate & Professional Student Assistance Specialist
Email: egoetz2@wisc.edu
Phone: 608-263-5700
University Health Services
Wendy Ellis (she/her)
Position title: Suicide Prevention Specialist
Email: wendy.ellis@wisc.edu
Small Group Workshops
11:30am-2:45pm
Led by L&S Teaching Mentors, TAs participate in hands-on activities to explore important themes in teaching and discuss common classroom challenges and concerns. Lunch provided.
TA Networks
3:00-4:00pm
Community-building and resource-sharing for graduate student instructors who may face similar challenges in the classroom. There are currently six networks for TAs to join based on their course type and experiences in the classroom. All TAs are welcome to attend any TA Network session!