Connie Eudy is an Instructional Associate in the Center for Teaching and Learning. She coordinates the Program for Instructional Excellence (PIE) and works with faculty and teaching assistants on enhancing classroom instruction.

Program for Instructional Excellence

The Program for Instructional Excellence (PIE) was established to better prepare graduate teaching assistants (TAs) for their instructional roles at FSU. As instructors with primary responsibility, teaching assistants are charged with teaching a substantial portion of undergraduates at FSU and as graders, discussion leaders, and lab instructors, they make valuable contributions to courses taught by faculty.

History

PIE began in 1990 in the Office of Graduate Studies. It was part of a proposal from a 1989 state funded grant, “Enhancing Undergraduate Education in the State University System” (also known as the Criser Report.) In 2000 PIE transitioned from a program focused on TA development to a larger unit, Instructional Development Services (IDS) in the Office of Distributed and Distance Learning (ODDL). Its focus is on university-wide instructional support for both faculty and TAs. IDS was renamed Center for Teaching and Learning in 2005 when it became one of six service units within FSU’s Academic and Professional Program Services.

Programs

PIE programs operate on a comprehensive TA training model facilitated by both department-based and university-based training. University-based training is meant to compliment rather than replace the excellent programs that exist in a number of departments. University-based training guarantees that all TAs have access to professional development services. Because TA training varies considerably among departments, campus-wide preparation ensures that a minimum level of training be established. All services provided to faculty by The APPS Center for Teaching and Learning such as workshops, consultations, and support for technology integration are also available to TAs. The fundamental campus-wide components of PIE include several annual events:

PIE Fall Teaching Conference
To prepare TAs for immediate undergraduate classroom responsibilities, PIE conducts an annual teaching conference each fall semester in the week before classes start. The conference is free to participants and focuses on policies and services of the University as they relate to teaching. Presenters and participants include senior university administrators, Center for Teaching & Learning staff, faculty and experienced TAs. Conference participants have an opportunity to earn a PIE Certificate through submitting reflective statements on the sessions they attend and by writing a teaching philosophy indicating knowledge and a commitment to teaching at FSU.

Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards
PIE also sponsors the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award program. These awards are given to TAs in recognition of their distinguished contributions to undergraduate student learning through excellence in instruction. These graduate students receive a certificate and cash award at The Celebration of Graduate Student Excellence, an annual spring event co-sponsored by The APPS Center for Teaching and Learning, The Office of Graduate Studies, and The Office for Research.

PIE Associate Program
The PIE Associate Program helps to improve teaching across campus by helping departments enhance their TA training programs and establish interdisciplinary connections and community among graduate students at FSU. At the end of the spring semester PIE calls for interested departments with experienced TAs to apply for acceptance into the PIE Associate Program. Applications are reviewed by The APPS Center for Teaching and Learning faculty and representatives from departments are chosen for PIE associate positions. PIE Associates serve for one year, may apply to continue participation in the program at the end of his/her tenure, and earn a stipend of $1,800 for his/her work. The stipend received for participating in this program does not reduce the amount received for a teaching assistantship.

PIE Associates emanate what they have learned about good teaching and adopt it to the specific needs of their department and discipline. Departmental programs are closely coordinated with the university-wide program and together demonstrate how general teaching principles can be and are applied within various academic disciplines. The PIE experience advances not only campus-wide TA training but also gives valuable experience in service to committees and focus groups. Often PIE associates are presented with opportunities beyond the FSU teaching environment: This year one PIE Associate was invited to visit another country to speak about experiences gained from the Program for Instructional Excellence.

Network

PIE maintains a network of departmental faculty TA Supervisors to facilitate communication on issues related to graduate teaching assistants. Each year an orientation workshop is held for TA supervisors to update policies and plan for the upcoming year. The network functions as a leadership and planning group for TA issues at the University.

Teaching Assistants fill many academic positions when they leave FSU. Because the TA experience is often the only preparation available for those who wish to become professors or other professionals, the PIE program provides opportunities to develop a sense of the faculty role in teaching, conducting research and performing service. As a result of the PIE experience TA’s are better prepared for careers, have a deeper understanding of university culture and have learned how to affect change.

PIE continues to be an important part of graduate student teaching at FSU.