Before Your First Day

It’s the first day of class and you're wondering how to begin? We’re here to help!

It can seem a little overwhelming as a new teaching assistant (TA), but with just a little preparation beforehand, you can help ensure your first teaching experience will start off on the right foot. This section of the guide will prepare you for your first day, discussing what to expect and things to consider before meeting students for the first time.

Students are often overwhelmed with information on the first day of class. As a result, they may not recall all the details. What they will remember is what actually transpires. What impressions did you make? Did you let them know why the course is interesting, why you are pleased to teach it, and what topics will be covered?

We recommend completing the six modules below to get started on your teaching journey. There’s a lot more to learn, but we think these are a great start!