- Compliance Training (Mandatory)
- Pedagogical Training (Voluntary)
- TA Cafes
- TA Central Hub
- TA Brightspace Support Site
- Teaching Certificates
- Other Helpful Resources
Below you will find a quick guide to a collection of training opportunities and resources available to help you get started as a teaching assistant at Carleton.
Compliance Training (Mandatory)
As per the Collective Agreement between CUPE 4600 (unit 1) and Carleton University, all TAs at Carleton are “required to successfully complete compliance training as a condition of employment as mandated by Ontario legislation” (14.01). As such, all Carleton TAs must complete the following online modules:
- AODA: Accessibility Standards for Customer Service
- AODA: Employment Standard Training
- Information and Communications Training
- Workplace Violence and Harassment Training
- Worker Health and Safety Awareness
To complete compliance training, log in to Carleton Central, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the “Online Courses” section.
Deadlines and Compensation
This training must be completed by October 15 of the fall term; by February 15 of the winter term; and by June 1 of the summer term. Upon completion of this compliance training TAs will be compensated five hours pay as per Article 23.03. Compliance training is only required to be completed once during your employment at Carleton. Human Resources tracks the completion and remuneration for all compliance training.
Note: “the employer reserves the right to amend from time to time, and in accordance with legislative requirements, the […] list of compliance training modules. The union will receive written notification of such amendments at least six (6) weeks prior to their implementation” (14.01). This means that you can expect the suite of compliance training modules to grow over time, with all Carleton employees being responsible for making sure they are in full compliance.
Pedagogical Training (Voluntary)
As Carleton University continues to follow the safe meetings and social distancing guidelines, TLS has developed online training modules and other events primarily focused on being a TA for an online course to assist you with navigating this new environment. While these training opportunities are recommended as a great way for teaching assistants to come together to learn and share their ideas on a specific topic, they are not mandatory. Topics will include:
- Conducting Tutorials
- Facilitating Break-Out Rooms
- Moderating Online Lectures
- Building a strong instructor-TA relationship
- Student Engagement
- Brightspace: Intro, Overview and Assignments
- Brightspace: Discussion Forums and Quizzes
- Zoom for TAs
- Poll Everywhere
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- TA Basics 101
- TA and student mental health
For more information on dates/times and other topics, and to access pedagogical training, log in to Carleton Central, scroll to the TA Management section and click “TA Training” in September. For additional training options please visit or the Graduate Professional Development event calendar. For access to previously recorded workshop sessions, please visit the TA Central Hub.
Deadlines and Compensation
As pedagogical training is voluntary, it can be completed anytime throughout the term of your TA assignment. Upon completion, TAs will be compensated up to five hours of pay per year, paid out at the end of the term as per Article 23.01. The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs tracks the completion of and remuneration for all pedagogical training.
TA Cafes
An informal and relaxed space to chat and socialize with other TAs. Come and connect with others, share concerns, and ask questions. Zoom links shared via TA Central Hub (in Brightspace).
Upcoming TA Cafes: Fall 2023 cafe dates coming soon!
TA Central Hub
TLS has launched a Brightspace page just for TAs that offers pre-recorded training videos, resource materials, and a forum for TAs to share resources related to online teaching. To enroll in the TA Central Hub, please contact TASupport@cunet.carleton.ca. Note that all TAs that were previously enrolled in the cuLearn edition of the TA Central Hub have been automatically added to the Brightspace version.
TA Brightspace Support Site
Brightspace has officially replaced cuLearn as Carleton’s new Learning Management System (LMS). You can log in at brightspace.carleton.ca using your MC1 credentials to begin exploring the new interface. TLS has developed a Brightspace TA Support website, where you can find documentation on how to navigate and use the system, as well as a Getting Started in Brightspace for TAs video. TLS will also be offering consultations for TAs looking for one-on-one assistance.
Teaching Certificates
Teaching certificates are an excellent opportunity to develop your skills, engage in discussion with like-minded colleagues and explore your role as an educator in greater depth and detail.
Preparing to Teach: This advanced blended certificate program is intended primarily for PhD candidates who intend to pursue a career in academia. The program is 10 weeks of intensive online sessions, with a mix of weekly asynchronous and synchronous course components.
Certificate in Teaching Assistants Skills: This self-directed certificate program was revamped in fall 2021 to recognize and encourage pedagogical training, experiential learning, as well as to improve the confidence and skills of teaching assistants at Carleton.
Other Helpful Resources
For additional resources to help you succeed as a Carleton teaching assistant, please visit our Resources page.