Every PhD program at Washington University requires its students to participate in a Mentored Teaching Experience (MTE). For a general description of the MTE, click here.

 

The MTE offers a flexible framework within which to ensure that PhD students secure meaningful experience that will advance their professional development.

 

The Department of Art History and Archaeology requires three years (six semesters) of Mentored Teaching Experience as part of its PhD program requirements. This experience is typically acquired as a section leader in the gateway courses Introduction to Western Art, Architecture and Design, Introduction to Asian Art, or Introduction to Modern Art, Architecture and Design, ideally in all three. MTE assignments as course assistants in other courses are also possible. The Director of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the instructors in these courses, makes the assignments each semester. The MTE generally requires 10-12 hours per week, although there is some variance depending on departmental needs. Other possibilities for satisfying this program requirement may be requested by petition of a student and with the approval of their advisor. The time commitment to such an alternative should be commensurate with the responsibilities of assignments as section leaders or course assistants.

 

PhD students who are receiving the Mentored Teaching Experience are highly valued members of the Department's instructional team. Graduate students selected as section leaders customarily receive pedagogical training including seminars in class preparation, critiques of teaching methodology, and disciplinary mentoring. In addition, the Washington University Teaching Center, established "to enhance teaching effectiveness," conducts an annual university-wide orientation meeting for all new assistants in instruction, consults with departments on training programs, and provides materials, outside lectures and audiovisual aids for course use.

 

To recognize outstanding graduate student section leaders and other course assistants, the Dean’s Awards for Teaching Excellence are given by the Graduate School each Spring. Awards include a certificate of recognition and a substantial cash prize. The Department of Art History and Archaeology also makes the annual Pollard-Stein Award for contributions to the teaching mission of the department; this also carries a substantial cash award.

 

International students who, for the first time, will be assigned duties involving the use of English to instruct students in the College of Arts and Sciences or in University College, are required to pass a special pedagogy/oral proficiency examination as a prerequisite to appointment. More details are available through the ESL program at Stix International House.