Red Maple Program for Emerging Educators

(formerly University Teaching Foundations)

A flexible, holistic learning pathway for TAs, graduate students, and emerging educators at the University of Guelph to grow their teaching practice.

Self-Enroll in the Red Maple CourseLink Site

Overview

We are excited to relaunch the newly designed Red Maple Program for Emerging Educators (formerly University Teaching Foundations).

The Red Maple Program offers emerging educators, including teaching assistants, graduate students, post docs, and instructors, a flexible and supportive pathway to deepen their knowledge of teaching and learning in higher education. Rooted in a holistic framework, the program invites educators to explore connections between their experiences as learners, their pedagogical practices, the responsibilities required of them as a TA, and the broader context of teaching and learning at the University of Guelph.

Indigenous Grounding of the Program

The renaming of OTL’s Foundations program draws inspiration from Maples, which are the leaders of the trees in Anishinabek and Haudenosaunee teachings. Red Maples, in particular, are known for their adaptability and wide spreading roots. In this spirit, the Red Maple Program provides a grounding in a range of topics through a curated mix of elective and required workshops, networking and community-building opportunities, and learning on the land. These teachings help shape the program’s values of flexibility, reflection, and relational learning.

What You’ll Gain

During the Red Maple program, you will have the opportunity to

Build confidence and skill in your teaching practice
Deepen your knowledge in effective grading and feedback practices
Connect with peers across UofG through peer learning and community-building activities
Explore teaching and learning through both Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of knowing
Engage in reflective practice about your teaching

Program Components and Timeline

To earn the Certificate of Completion, participants must complete:

3 required OTL workshops. Required workshops for this program provide technical guidance on grading and giving feedback, lesson planning, and active learning
1 peer-learning and networking session for GTAs.
1 land-based activity which contextualizes the land that the University of Guelph is situated on.
All activities in the Red Maple workbook (found on the CourseLink site)

Participants demonstrate their learning by submitting their completed workbook, which provides a structure for reflecting on your TA practice and the program activities.

The Red Maple Program is designed with flexibility in mind. Participants can complete the program at their own pace, typically within one to two semesters. The Program must be completed by the end of your graduate program to earn the Certificate of Completion.

How to Enroll

Self-enroll on the CourseLink Site for the Red Maple program. There, you will find more information about the program, upcoming workshops and opportunities, and the workbook We will use the CourseLink site to connect with participants as they engage in the Red Maple program

Self-Enrollment Guide:

Step 1: Go to https://courselink.uoguelph.ca and login with your Single Sign On credentials.
Step 2: Select "Self-Registration" from the navigation bar located at the top of your CourseLink home page.
Step 3: From the list of self-registration offerings, scroll to the Red Maple Program for Emerging Educators and click on its name. Complete the registration steps as prompted. After self-registering, you will be able to access modules from your CourseLink homepage.

Is This Program Right for Me? (FAQ)

Do I need prior TA or teaching experience?

No. New and returning TAs are welcome, as well as graduate students who have not yet had the opportunity to TA or teach.

Can I complete the program alongside my graduate studies or other work?

Yes. The program is designed to be flexible and complementary to ongoing work and graduate studies.

Are workshops and activities online or in-person?

A range of formats is available each semester.

What counts as a land-based activity?

See the CourseLink site for options and guidance, including a list of current opportunities.

Can international students participate?

Yes! The program has been designed for international and domestic graduate students.

Need Support or Have Additional Questions?

If you have questions about the program or would like to discuss whether the program is right for you, please contact our Graduate Student Educational Developer team at gtc@uoguelph.ca. We are here to support your journey as an emerging educator.

Red Maple Program for Emerging Educators