Teaching is the principal method of support for first and second year graduate students, who are appointed as Teaching Fellows. Most assignments are to teach small laboratory sections or problem sessions in elementary courses. In general, this program concentrates on teaching in the first two years, while the student is taking graduate courses. The maximum teaching assignment for a Faculty Teaching Fellow is approximately four contact hours per week for four terms.
Columbia's Graduate School of Arts & Sciences provides an online teaching manual that is organized around the diverse teaching roles filled by graduate students and offers practical advice concerning issues that arise from instructing students.
Graduate students entering in the fall should plan on arrival before the last week of August, which is reserved for required Teaching Assistant training and other on-boarding activities.