About the Academy

The succinct purpose of The Academy for Outstanding Graduate Pedagogy is to recognize and honor outstanding graduate student teachers. Broadly defined, the AOGP is a collaborative organization between the graduate student body and the Graduate School, with the central directive of celebrating excellence in graduate teaching and providing support to graduate teaching efforts across university contexts.

The Academy of Outstanding Graduate Pedagogy recognizes the intersectional makeup of the graduate student body at Virginia Tech, as well as the spectrum of teaching experiences graduate students may be exposed to. Thus, the AOGP establishes the following broad parameters or “knowns” as guiding points for the goals and constitutional principles further described:

• The AOGP recognizes that teaching experiences are not limited by contractual definition, and may occur in diverse contexts such as in a laboratory setup or research assignment. Thus, membership in the AOGP is not exclusive to those of the student body classified as Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs). Students of any contracted assistanceship, or lack thereof, are invited to apply.
• The AOGP seeks to forward and honor equity in all aspects of membership and organizational makeup, and thus specifically recognizes the variety of complex intersectionalities present in teaching and learning contexts. The AOGP commits to not just enacting inclusive student-centered practice within its body, but intends to be a leading institutional organization for visionary teaching and pedagogy.
• The AOGP identifies the need for, and advantages of, campus partnerships with other teaching and learning organizations. The AOGP will establish its principles, activities, and constitutional bounds with a mindset and goal of campus collaboration and communication.

The AOGP offers membership on three levels: members, associates, and fellows. Each level corresponds to a rising expectation in teaching experience and dedication to teaching and learning. For more information on membership, see our Join Us page.