FSU Center for Teaching & Learning

Mentoring TAs: Program for Instructional Excellence (PIE)

Congratulations!

You have been nominated for a 2009 Florida State University Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award (OTAA). The nomination indicates that your teaching at Florida State University has been recognized by a student or faculty member as exceptional. To be eligible for the award you must submit materials that help the OTAA Committee evaluate your teaching effectiveness. The OTAA Committee includes: PIE Coordinator (Chair), APPS: Center for Teaching & Learning faculty, and PIE Associates (upper level teaching assistants from 25 departments). Each portfolio will be evaluated by four committee members. If you are one of the ten teaching assistants selected for this award you will be recognized by Florida State University, receive a $500 honorarium and a framed certificate.

Eligibility Requirements

Documentation (submission of a Teaching Portfolio) of exceptional instruction as a lab or lecturer, instructor, recitation leader, or as a course facilitator for a faculty member (face-to-face or online).
Have been involved in undergraduate or graduate instruction at FSU for at least two semesters, one of which must be during Spring 2008 - Spring 2009.
Have NOT previously received an OTAA award, and are NOT currently a PIE Associate.
Must be a FSU degree-seeking graduate student hired as a teaching assistant.

Criteria for Exceptional Teaching

Demonstrates a broad knowledge of the field, and the ability to help students actively learn new knowledge, skills and perspectives.
Shows evidence of working in a collegial manner with students, faculty supervisors and graduate teaching assistant colleagues.
Shows evidence of using feedback to improve teaching.
Acts as a role model, demonstrating high standards, good listening skills and ethics.