Dal Events

Resilient Classroom Series: Instructor Burnout – Rekindling Your Flame for Teaching

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, March 25
10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Killam Library, Room B400
Link to register for the event

“Burnout is what happens when you try to avoid being human for too long.” – Michael Gungor, American songwriter

Along with healthcare workers, social workers, and corporate executives, university instructors are in the top ten professions most likely to experience burnout (Schaffner, 2023). In this in-person session, you will learn how to:

Define burnout and describe how it manifests amongst instructors
Identify the signs and symptoms of burnout in yourself and others
Explain the factors that contribute to burnout in academia (e.g., career stage, systemic conditions)
Use the four pillars of burnout resilience – purpose, compassion, connection, and balance (Pope-Ruark, 2022) – to better manage burnout
Describe how an equity-minded lens can help address burnout in academia

We will collectively brainstorm actions that can be taken immediately to better prevent and mitigate the impacts of burnout, as well as first steps to chip away at systemic conditions that drive burnout in a university setting. You will use these ideas to begin developing a personalized care plan for addressing burnout.

Presenter

Daniella Sieukaran, MA (she/her)
Senior Educational Developer (Program Development)

Intended audience

Instructors

Everyday EDIA Practices for TAs

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Thursday, March 26
2–3 p.m.
Killam Library, Room B400*
Link to register for the event

This workshop introduces teaching assistants (TAs) to everyday equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) practices that are practical, grounded, and doable. Rather than viewing EDIA as an add-on, participants will explore how small, intentional choices in communication, facilitation, and assessment can meaningfully shape students’ learning experiences. Through brief case-based scenarios drawn from real teaching contexts, TAs will discuss how to respond to common challenges such as classroom dynamics. We will conclude with concrete pedagogical strategies that TAs can immediately apply in their tutorials, labs, and grading, including inclusive facilitation moves, accessible lesson planning tips, and approaches to fostering welcoming and supportive learning environments.

Students who are not currently TAs are also welcome to attend, as the workshop offers valuable preparation for future teaching roles and careers in academia.

Presenter

Ezgi Ozyonum, PhD (she/her)
Educational Developer (Student Development)

Intended audience

Teaching assistants
Markers
Demonstrators
Graduate students

*Please note that the B400 classroom is in the basement of the Killam Library. We are aware of, and apologize for, the accessibility barriers associated with this room. If you require the use of an elevator to reach this room, one of the CLT staff will have to access the elevator with you, using their key card. Please let us know in advance so that we can facilitate a smooth and timely transition to the basement.

We also ask that participants be respectful of those with significant allergies and avoid wearing perfume, aftershave, cologne, and highly scented hairspray, soaps, lotions, and shampoos.

Teaching Tuesday

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:00:00 GMT

We welcome instructors to CLT’s Teaching Tuesdays, a weekly, half-hour, virtual drop-in session. Join our educational developers online to ask questions, exchange ideas, or debrief about your teaching. Topics might include course design, assessments/feedback, genAI, accessibility/accommodations, universal design for learning, culturally responsive pedagogy, and more! Registration is not required.

Join the drop-in

CLT Virtual Graduate Students & TAs Drop-in

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, April 8
2–3 p.m.
Online
Link to join the session

No registration is required. Drop in anytime during the session if you have questions about your role as a TA, CLT’s workshops for graduate students, or the Certificate in University Teaching and Learning (CUTL) program. Whether you are navigating your teaching assignment or looking to deepen your professional development, this informal space is an opportunity to connect, ask questions, and learn more about the supports available to you.

Facilitator

Ezgi Ozyonum, PhD (she/her)
Educational Developer (Student Development)

Intended audience

Teaching assistants
Graduate students
Markers
Demonstrators