Preparing to Teach as a Doctoral Student
The Graduate Center prepares graduate students to start teaching in the college classroom, guides students as they refine their teaching practices, and helps advanced students apply what they've learned in the next stages of their careers.
Hands-on teaching experience plays a significant role in the Graduate Center’s student experience. With the University’s mission to educate “the whole people” in mind, Graduate Center students teach 6,500 courses each year for CUNY’s diverse student body of 250,000 hard-working, degree-seeking undergraduates.
Graduate Center students typically lead the courses they teach rather than only serving as TAs, providing them with substantial autonomy in designing their classes. This extensive teaching experience sets GC students apart from others seeking careers in academia.
As a student at the Graduate Center, you’ll have full access to resources including the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) and Teach@CUNY Summer Institute.
Teaching and Learning Center
As one of the few teaching centers dedicated to working with graduate student instructors, the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) creates and connects opportunities for Graduate Center students to develop as educators. The TLC offers workshops, office hours, and special projects.
Teaching and Learning CenterTeaching Resources
Teach@CUNY Summer Institute
The summer before their first teaching assignments, Graduate Center students are encouraged to take advantage of the Teach@CUNYS Summer Institute. The institute aims to prepare new college instructors for their upcoming teaching responsibilities and for a lifetime as engaged, committed educators.
Teach@CUNY Handbook
The Teach@CUNY Handbook is a comprehensive online resource that offers practical guidance to both beginning and experienced instructors across teaching at The City University of New York and beyond.
From Alumni
When I was applying for programs, that was one of the things that drew me to CUNY. I knew that I wanted to get teaching experience while I was in graduate school, beyond being a TA. I got great mentorship on my teaching ... And I was able to design courses myself. My experience is really what got me a tenure-track job.
— Mya Dosch
Ph.D. '18, Art History
On the Tenure Track
