Graduate Student TOR (Teacher of Record) Info

Graduate students throughout programs at Baylor University, both at the master's and doctoral level, have the opportunity to teach undergraduate classes. Evidence shows that this is beneficial to graduate students, preparing them for future jobs in the academy--possibly even speeding their time to degree while reducing their waiting time on the job market. The Baylor University Graduate School works hard to support graduate student TORs.

As a new TOR

1) You will be required to take Teacher of Record Training (TORT):  All Teachers-of-Record at Baylor University must receive training appropriate to their role. This training covers policies, procedures, and resources, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and related concerns. The Graduate School, in partnership with the office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, enrolls all first-time Teachers of Record (TORs) in the TORT Canvas course and emails them when they are enrolled. The Graduate School will monitor student participation and alert GPDs of non-compliant students.  Completion is required in order work in a TOR position.

2) You will be required to take Title IX training: All graduate students who work as a Teacher of Record at Baylor University must complete Civil Rights and Title IX Training from the perspective of a Required Responsible Employee. You will need to self-enroll in the Canvas version of the course using the following link:  https://baylor.instructure.com/enroll/KH9WEP

• If you have an Ignite account, you will be assigned the Required Responsible Employee Title IX course in Ignite.
• It is possible you will have to complete both the Responsible Employee Title IX training and the student Title IX training, which are separate courses. This is only a small subgroup;  if this is the case, The Equity Office will assign you the student Title IX training and notify you by email.
• Please direct any questions to Title_IX@baylor.edu.

3) You will be required to pass a Background Check.  All first-time Teachers of Record must clear a background check.  Human Resources will email each first-time TOR in regard to completing a background check through the HireRight company. Please know this email is legitimate and follow the instructions that come from Human Resources and HireRight. The background check is mandatory.   

4)  International graduate students may benefit from watching this panel discussion on Classroom Culture and Norms for International Graduate Student Teachers, as well as signing up to take GBL 5201 Teaching in English, which covers potential cultural issues as well as language and accent. 

5) Your department should provide specific pedagogical training as well as assign a mentor.  Consult your Graduate Program Director for details.

Professional Development

• Please take advantage of the many workshops and resources of the Academy for Teaching and Learning (ATL).  The Graduate School partners with the ATL to offer the Teaching Capstone in Higher Education (TeaCHE). This capstone, which is listed on transcripts, is intended to enhance readiness to teach in a higher education environment and provide distinction on the job market.
• You can find recorded ATL workshop presentations under the Academic Success category of our GPS (Graduate Pathways to Success) workshops.  Look for "Practical Pedagogy."
• Watch for email announcements from the Graduate School about QPR (suicide prevention) Workshops coordinated by the Counseling Center specifically for graduate student TORs.
• Encourage your students to complete end-of-semester teaching evaluations.  These can be reviewed with your teaching mentor for insight as well as interpretation.  The Graduate School nominates graduate student TORs for the Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award based on evaluation averages as compared to faculty.

Other

• Teacher of Record Parking permit:
  • Baylor Parking Services allots a limited number of permits for graduate students working as a Teacher of Record.  These "Teacher of Record" passes allow you to park in spaces designated for Faculty/Staff (F/E spaces).  They typically become available for purchase in late July or early August.  The cost is $405 for the full 2026-27 academic year, billed directly to your student account. For just Spring 2027, the price is prorated to $250.  If you are interested in purchasing this permit, please fill out this form.
  • You can also purchase from any of the parking permits available to all students.