For Faculty

Mentor-Mentee Model

The LA program focuses on providing professional growth to Learning Assistants through a mentor-mentee model, where faculty mentors guide LAs in developing their teaching skills, engaging students, and enhancing the overall learning experience.

A learning assistant helping RIT students.

Here are some examples of mentoring LAs effectively:

  • Provide regular and constructive feedback on their teaching and group facilitation.
  • Set clear expectations and outline their roles and responsibilities in the classroom.
  • Encourage reflection on their experiences to foster growth and improvement.
  • Recommend resources, workshops, or training to support professional development.
  • Create a collaborative environment to discuss teaching strategies and classroom dynamics.

Incorporating LAs in the Classroom

LAs help create a more interactive and engaging learning environment for all students. An LA can enhance your teaching and support student learning in several ways:

Weekly lesson prep meetings
Collaborate with LAs to plan lessons, activities, and in-class exercises.

Facilitate group activities
Have LAs lead discussions and guide small-group work.

Provide peer support
LAs can assist students with questions or clarifications during class.

Review sessions
LAs can lead study sessions outside of class to reinforce key concepts.

Gather feedback
Use LAs to collect insights on student engagement and areas needing attention.
A learning assistant going around and helping students in a classroom setting.

Get Started

LA/faculty member pairings are based on pedagogical needs/plans, personality match, experience, scheduling, academic unit resource availability, and alignment of goals between the LA and mentor. Decisions and placements are typically made at least two weeks before the start of the semester.

Ask about how to include LA support in your classroom