Learning Assistant (LA) Program at MSU Denver

The LA Program empowers Learning Assistants (LAs), faculty, and students by transforming courses to align more closely with research-based instructional strategies. Every LA Program worldwide is built on three essential elements:

  • Pedagogy Course – A required course for new LAs to develop evidence-based teaching practices.
  • Weekly Prep Sessions – Regular meetings between LAs and their faculty mentor to plan and refine instructional strategies.
  • LA Classroom Practice – Active engagement of LAs in the classroom to enhance student learning.

Together, faculty mentors and LAs form an instructional team dedicated to creating effective and inclusive learning environments in STEM disciplines. Our program follows the LA Model developed at the University of Colorado Boulder, and we are proud members of the LA International Alliance.

Why LA?

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What are LAs?

LAs are undergraduate students, primarily in mathematics and the sciences, selected for their interest in teaching and their ability to support student learning in interactive classroom environments. The main role of a LA is to help students learn and to help students learn how to learn. They play a key role in facilitating group work, focusing on student ideas, and guiding discussions to deepen conceptual understanding. LAs receive hourly pay for their work inside and outside the classroom.

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Why Teach with LAs?

The Learning Assistant program aims to improve the learning of all students, from K-16 levels. Students in courses supported by undergraduate LAs learn more than those in non-supported courses. Additionally, LAs improve their understanding of the course content, and many become interested in future careers as teachers and educators. The LA program also supports innovations in the college classroom and faculty's reflective improvements of their teaching practices.

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How to Teach with LAs?

It is important to consider both (1) what activities make the most appropriate use of LAs, and (2) how to create the most supportive atmosphere so that LAs can do the most effective job possible. LAs have a lot to learn as teachers, in terms of content, pedagogy, and confidence; helping one's peers learn can be a daunting task. The more you can create a supportive atmosphere, the better the experience will be for the LA(s) and your students.

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Applications: Stay Tuned for Future Opportunities!

Fall Semester

Faculty Course Proposals: CLOSED

Student Applications: CLOSED

Fall 2025 LA Office Hours: Coming Soon!

Fall Semester Pedagogy Trainings for New LAs

10:00am - 3:00pm

August 13 (Wednesday)

New LA Bootcamp Training Day 1

10:00am - 3:00pm

August 14 (Thursday)

New LA Bootcamp Training Day 2

10:00am - 11:30am

August 29 (Friday)

Topic TBD

10:00am - 11:30am

September 12 (Friday)

Topic TBD

10:00am - 11:30am

September 26 (Friday)

Topic TBD

10:00am - 11:30am

October 17 (Friday)

Topic TBD

10:00am - 11:30am

October 31 (Friday)

Topic TBD

10:00am - 11:30am

November 7 (Friday)

Topic TBD

10:00am - 11:30am

November 21 (Friday)

Presentation Prep

10:00am - 11:30am

December 5 (Friday)

LA Program End of Semester Celebration!

Professional Development Training Opportunities for Returning LAs

Stay Tuned for Fall Semester Training Options!

FAQs

Newsletters

The LA Program provides ongoing news and updates throughout the year. Click below to access our current and past newsletters. Happy Reading!

Read Our Newsletters Here!

Testimonials

Testimonial from CCD LA

Being an LA this semester and every semester has been an honor and also an awesome learning experience as well. It opened up the doors to get to know and establish a great relationship with some great educated people along the way.

Testimonial from LA

I also wanted to thank you both for your help this semester, your positive emails and messages have sometimes been the highlight of my day.

Testimonial from LA Faculty Mentor

I couldn’t have done the switch to virtual labs without my brilliant LAs.

Testimonials from LA Faculty Mentor

LAs are a presence in the learning process who are there for the students and the students know that.

My LAs transformed me, my classroom, and the way I teach.

I hope we established a learning community where you feel comfortable and supported. There will be times you might feel exhausted, imposter, and stressed, but from what I observed, you are going to continue to grow as students, as mentors, and as an educator. You might not realize it initially, but you are changing the lives of so many students. LAs rock! 

Contact Us

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Aaron S. Richmond, Ph.D.

Faculty Director

[email protected] 303-615-1060
Angela Furney

Angela Furney, MA

Program Manager

[email protected] 303-615-0441

Office Location:

Science 1063

 

Mailing Address:

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Campus Box 24, P.O. Box 173362

Denver, CO 80217-3362