Devising an Effective Teacher Training Program for Graduate Assistants | CU Experts

Overview

Graduate assistants (GA) need mentoring and specific guidance to be able to comfortably teach class and studio voice and to handle other duties assigned them. One of the first tasks a GA supervisor should assume is the yearly production of a handbook for the GAs. An aspect of an effective teacher training program is a set of courses designed to educate the beginning voice teacher. The graduate assistant supervisor should be available for weekly or monthly meetings with the GAs. While acting as an advocate for the GAs, a supervisor will also act as an advocate for students in the class voice sections and for those studying privately with a GA. In assigning private lesson students to GAs, the supervisor should consider the strengths and weaknesses of each GA. There should be regular observation of GA performance classes. It is important that GAs spend time observing faculty teachers.