Teaching Requirements

Teaching Experience and Preparation

All funded Leeds School of Business PhD students gain structured teaching experience in two phases. First, students serve as teaching apprentices (TAs) for three sections of a semester-long course. TA responsibilities include:

  • Teaching at least three lectures (which may be the same content across sections)
  • Attending all class meetings for at least one section
  • Holding office hours
  • Grading assignments and exams
  • Gaining familiarity with Canvas, the course management platform
  • Writing at least one problem set or exam
  • Receiving feedback from the faculty teaching mentor

After completing their teaching apprenticeship, PhD students are assigned to teach two of their own sections of a semester-long course. Students may be assigned one section of a semester-long course or two sections of a semester-long course. This may be the same course they supported as a TA or a different course. Teaching assignments are made by the division chair in consultation with the division's doctoral program director.

During the semester in which students teach independently, they are not assigned additional RA or TA responsibilities. Students who are teaching independently are mentored and monitored until they reach the proficiency standard set forth by the Leeds PhD Program. Students with external funding are also expected to teach at least one course during their program.

Teaching Workshops

Leeds PhD students are required to attend four (4) teaching workshops offered by the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) or other approved sources. Leeds sponsored workshops may also qualify. Students are strongly encouraged to complete these workshops prior to their TA or teaching assignments, as the content is designed to support effective classroom instruction.

In addition to the four teaching workshops, students must also complete the online Discrimination and Harassment training as required by the University of Colorado Boulder.

English Language Resources for Non-Native English Speakers

Clear and effective English communication is essential for successful teaching. English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are available for students who wish to improve their English intelligibility for academic settings. Please note that the PhD Program does not provide financial support for these courses, and tuition waivers do not cover ESL course fees. For more information, visit the English Language Resources for Non-Native English Speakers page hosted by CU Boulder’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).