Graduate Student Teaching Enhancement Program (GSTEP)
As a graduate student, the idea of teaching a class is now a reality. Sure, you know your disciplinary content, but are you confident that you can support others to learn it? Gain skills and confidence as a teacher through the Graduate Student Teaching Enhancement Program (GSTEP).
GSTEP Participation
It’s easy. Start attending events that support your development as a college teacher to work toward GSTEP requirements. These events develop the necessary skills to facilitate student learning, engage with other graduate students and faculty, and earn $300 in professional development funds. The best way to learn about events from the CTE is to subscribe to the CTE News.
If you wish to regularly work alongside fellow graduate students, share innovative teaching strategies, and develop your own teaching philosophy, you can sign up for Graduate Student Teaching Development Workshops offered by the Graduate School (see below). Not only do such workshops assist with fulfilling the requirements of GSTEP, they also are first required experiences for the Graduate Certificate in College Teaching.
GSTEP Requirements
- Attend 8 events that support your development as a teacher. These include attending Graduate Student Teaching Development Workshops, seminars and workshops provided by the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE), Howe Center for Writing Excellence (HWCE), or Miami Online; sessions at the Original Lilly Conference on College Teaching; and other teaching development events offered by Miami or professional organizations.
- After attending each event, complete the GSTEP Event Form and submit it.
- GSTEP completion occurs when you have submitted 8 GSTEP Event Forms and emailed CTE@MiamiOH.edu to alert our team. You may complete events in one semester, across semesters, or even across academic years.
GSTEP Benefits
In addition to your learning outcomes and development on college teaching, GSTEP completion earns you
- A completion certificate (pdf) for your professional portfolio; please email CTE@MiamiOH.edu if you are interested in having one emailed to you.
- $300 in professional development funds will be transferred to your department.
Purpose
- Support the undergraduate teaching mission of Miami by enhancing the effectiveness of the instruction they receive from graduate students.
- Promote the effectiveness of graduate students as teachers at Miami University, thus enhancing their overall productivity and satisfaction.
- Provide foundational skills for graduate students who may seek an academic career.
- Create interdisciplinary connections and community among graduate students at Miami.
Enrollment: Open to all Miami graduate students
Graduate Student Teaching Development Facilitator: Peter Wessels (Spring 2026); Claire McLeod (Fall 2026)
Can I complete GSTEP more than once?
YES! You may complete GSTEP up to three times as a graduate student at Miami University. Each time you complete the program, you will gain access to $300 in professional development funds. You can even complete GSTEP two times in the same academic year, if you choose to do so. The aim is to provide flexibility in supporting your teaching development as you work toward your graduate degree.
I attended the same workshop two times. Can I submit a GSTEP Event Completion Form for each time I attended?
No. Each submission must correspond to a unique workshop/event.
Should I take the Graduate School Teaching Development Workshops?
YES! This is the best way to start developing your knowledge and skills as a college teacher. We also recommend completing the Graduate Certificate in College Teaching.
Center for Teaching Excellence
