2025 Instructional Assistant Teaching Symposium
Schedule and Registration
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 • 9AM-12:30PM • Sessions Held on Zoom
Embedded Files
2025 Instructional Assistant Teaching Symposium
Symposium Schedule
Symposium Schedule
Schedule is subject to change
Getting to the sessions
Getting to the sessions
A Zoom link will be sent to all registrants - this link will bring you to the main room/ Lobby, which is where the panel sessions will take place. The two interactive sessions will be sorted into breakout rooms from the main room. Engaged Teaching staff will be available in the Lobby throughout the symposium to support you with getting to your session and to answer any questions you may have.
9:00-10:00am PT
9:00-10:00am PT
Welcome & Kickoff Panel: A Day in the Life of an IA
Welcome & Kickoff Panel: A Day in the Life of an IA
Zoom link (UCSD email required): https://ucsd.zoom.us/j/92504467167?pwd=k2hHfhkcbyWQ8cDcXbbOXanOdJpDYW.1
We invite you to begin the symposium in the company of experienced Instructional Assistants from across campus as they discuss suggestions on preparing for your first day of teaching, including considerations for community building, time management, and how to prepare without over-preparing, with time reserved specifically for participant questions.
Panelists:
Ebru Evcen, Linguistics
Sean Huang, Cognitive Science
Johnny Li, Mathematics
Claire Chapman, Biological Sciences
Aimee Jurado, Literature
Panelist will share insights about topics such as:
How do you balance helping students while also maintaining boundaries?
What does the day-to-day work look like as an Instructional Assistant and how do you navigate that with your research and other responsibilities?
What do you do if you feel underprepared? How do you teach the content if you are just learning it yourself?
What is one piece of advice that you wish you knew going into your first experience as an IA?
10:15-11:15am PT
10:15-11:15am PT
Interactive Workshop Session:
Getting Situated in your Teaching & Learning Environment
Interactive Workshop Session:
Getting Situated in your Teaching & Learning Environment
Choose one of the following two foundational workshops to attend via breakout rooms:
Choose one of the following two foundational workshops to attend via breakout rooms:
Engaging Students in STEM and problem-solving sections
Breakout Room via Zoom link (UCSD email required): https://ucsd.zoom.us/j/92504467167?pwd=k2hHfhkcbyWQ8cDcXbbOXanOdJpDYW.1
Discover equitable strategies for engaging your students in class to enhance their collective learning during problem-solving sessions. You will leave the session with an introductory set of active learning and facilitation strategies to implement in your classroom from the first day.
Engaging Students in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and discussion-based sections
Breakout Room via Zoom link (UCSD email required): https://ucsd.zoom.us/j/92504467167?pwd=k2hHfhkcbyWQ8cDcXbbOXanOdJpDYW.1
Discover equitable strategies for engaging your students in class to enhance their collective learning during discussion-based sessions. You will leave the session with an introductory set of active learning and facilitation strategies to implement in your classroom from the first day.
11:30-12:30pm PT
11:30-12:30pm PT
Closing Panel: Teaching in Today’s Contexts
Closing Panel: Teaching in Today’s Contexts
Zoom link (UCSD email required): https://ucsd.zoom.us/j/92504467167?pwd=k2hHfhkcbyWQ8cDcXbbOXanOdJpDYW.1
From supporting larger class sizes and facilitating engagement over Zoom, to addressing the impacts of generative AI on learning, IAs are often tasked with navigating constantly complex and shifting teaching landscapes. This panel brings together voices and experiences to explore how IAs continue to foster student learning and engagement while navigating tumultuous climates. Time will be reserved specifically for participant questions.
Panelists:
Nora Turriago, Education Studies
Drew Kerr, Anthropology
Ayumi Matsuda-Rivero, Sociology
James Crawford, Assistant Teaching Professor and Associate Director of Academic Programs, Eighth College
Panelist will share insights about topics such as:
What strategies have you found helpful for supporting students (and yourself) during times of uncertainty or stress?
How has generative AI affected the way you approach grading, assignments, or class discussions?
What techniques have worked for building community or encouraging participation online?
How does your approach differ when teaching in-person vs. virtually?
What practices help you manage the workload of grading, communication, or leading sections in a large course?
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