2025/10/08 by Mitchell, Wayne, Hodeib, Stephanie, Laskowska, Julia
paper · doi:10.82191/pp.23
For some, the notion of having to teach seems an arduous task whereas others relish the opportunity to develop the minds of students. Here we present an outline for developing ‘Future Teaching Leaders’ (FTL) through a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) training programme designed to utilise and equip MSc and PhD students with the prerequisite skills that evoke a passion for learning and teaching. Over the past 6 years, we have developed an approach to enhance the laboratory-based teaching environment that promotes and supports better student engagement and learning outcomes for both students and staff. In the article we present reflections by the project organiser, teaching fellow (former GTA), and recent recruit to the programme. Successful FTLP-GTAs gain the personal and professional recognition for their subject knowledge and ability to teach. Furthermore, their presence increases the overall student satisfaction by providing student-centred support to meet the increasing demand for more effective teaching approaches in Higher Education. To date, of the 90 eligible GTAs approximately 45 (50%) have completed the programme and successfully achieved their Advance HE Associate Fellowship (AFHEA) and a further 15% gaining their FHEA. The journey can be challenging and rewarding in equal measures, and we will outline how we believe it can enhance learning for future PhD students wishing to pursue full time teaching in Higher Education. The goal of the Future Teaching leaders programme is for GTAs to become effective future teaching mentors with the vision to provide the opportunities for individuals to shine.