Doctoral Candidate Judith Hefren has set herself apart with her dedication to teaching.  For the 2012-2013 academic year, Judy was nominated and selected to act as a representative of pedagogical excellence to the greater University as a Program for Instructional Excellence (PIE) Teaching Associate.

“The College of Social Work has, as a part of my doctoral education, provided me with the opportunity to explore teaching as a profession, and I love it,” Judy Hefren said. “I am excited to have the opportunity to explore the expectations faculty have for teaching assistants who serve as mentors through online courses, and to develop the needed training that will ensure those expectations are met.”

Judy will have the opportunity to help improve teaching, along with the learning experiences of students across campus by providing outreach and support to other departments and their teaching assistants (TAs).  PIE associates serve in a variety of roles to aid Florida State in its dedication to superior student-centered education, including: mentoring TAs and assisting with workshops, conferences, teaching awards and other events. Judy’s experiences as a social work doctoral student and teacher have prepared her to share her knowledge.

“Our doctoral students are not only dedicated to social work and their research, but also to their teaching.  I am pleased that Judy will be helping us examine ways to ensure that our teaching assistants are providing the support needed by faculty, particularly those faculty involved in online instruction,” Dr. Karen Randolph, Director of the College of Social Work Doctoral Program, said.

The PIE Teaching Associate Assistantship is available to experienced graduate students that meet the PIE requirements and are nominated by his or her department or college.  To learn more about this opportunity, visit http://pie.fsu.edu.