The realities of the academic job market require that our programs emphasize Russian as the central language and culture of the field; therefore, all doctoral students are required to teach Russian and most do so for a minimum of two years. Depending on Department needs and graduate student expertise, graduate students are sometimes assigned teaching assistantships in other Slavic languages.

Teaching Assignments
The Teaching Assistantship Committee, headed by the Department Chair, solicits applications for teaching and decides teaching assignments each semester. The Committee makes its decisions on the basis of the Department's needs and each applicant's experience and interests.

Orientation and Supervision
Individualized orientations for all new teaching assistants are conducted by Dr. Eleonora Magomedova, Director of the Russian Language Curriculum, office phone 919-962-7551. Professor Magomedova also supervises and reviews all teaching assistants on a regular basis throughout the semester. At a year-end retreat, Professor Magomedova and currently employed teaching assistants review language course objectives and teaching materials and strategies.

Observation Policy and Procedure
Teaching assistants are observed each semester by a faculty member.

1. The TA will submit any materials s/he wants observer to review at least 24 hours before the observation. The TA may also submit a self-reflective statement of his/her teaching approach for the observer's consideration.
2. If possible, given faculty and TA schedules, the faculty observer will meet with the TA 15 minutes before his/her class so as to be apprised of classroom dynamics and specific session goals.
3. In the post-observation meeting, the faculty observer should give the TA feedback on both his/her classroom performance and submitted materials.

Teaching Resources at the Center for Teaching and Learning
We strongly encourage teaching assistants to explore the courses, workshops, and resources offered by the UNC-CH Center for Teaching and Learning. The CTL"supports teaching and learning at all levels and in all contexts in which instruction occurs at the University of North Carolina." The Center has developed an extensive array of services and programs for graduate teaching assistants, including

1. an orientation each semester for all new teaching assistants
2. special workshops, seminars, and individual consultations on teaching
3. minigrants for developing departmental graduate teaching assistants' programs
4. classroom videotaping for teaching evaluation and improvement
5. instruction in developing teaching portfolios.