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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 (HCWE), or Miami Online; sessions at the Original Lilly Conference on College Teaching; and other teaching development events offered by Miami or professional organizations.
  • IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT EVENT REGISTRATION:
    • CTE events require registration and then accepting your Google Calendar invitation.
    • HCWE events require registration to receive an invitation to attend.
  • 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.

Graduate School Teaching Development Workshops

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

GSTEP and Certificate in College in College Teaching Requirements:All but the first and last meeting listed below are eligible for GSTEP credit upon submission of the Event Form. All 7 meetings satisfy the Area 1 requirement for the Certificate in College Teaching. 

Graduate Student Teaching Development Facilitator: Peter Wessels (Spring 2026); Claire McLeod (Fall 2026)

Spring 2026 Schedule

All meetings will be held synchronously and online on Monday evenings from 6:15 - 7:15 pm. If you would like to be added, please contact Peter Wessels. 

  • February 2 - Introduction, Certificate, GSTEP, select Project
  • February 16 - Identifying Your Values and Outcomes (as a Teacher, Leader, Mentor) - Philosophy, Evidence, Context
  • March 2 - Assessing Your Values and Outcomes (as a Teacher, Leader, Mentor) - Learners, Assessment
  • March 16 - Integrating Your Values and Outcomes (as a Teacher, Leader, Mentor) - Syllabus, Policies, Course Design
  • April 6 - Academic Culture (Option 1) - content depends on availability of "Hiring" Panelists, Academic Integrity, Institutions, Positions, Professional Development
  • April 20 - Academic Culture (Option 2) -  content depends on availability of "Hiring" Panelists, Academic Integrity, Institutions, Positions, Professional Development
  • May 4 - Share completed Projects
Questions about GSTEP? Please contact the Center for Teaching Excellence at CTE@MiamiOH.edu.

Questions about the Certificate in College Teaching? Please contact the current Graduate School Teaching Development Workshop facilitated (listed above).

Can I complete GSTEP more than once?

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

317 Laws Hall
551 E. High Street
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-9266
Journal on Excellence in College Teaching Original Lilly Conference on College Teaching linktr.ee