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International Teaching Assistants

Speaking Proficiency Standards for Teaching Assistantships at UW-Milwaukee

In 1992, the University of Wisconsin System mandated oral English proficiency testing for all UW system teaching assistants. As a result, prospective teaching assistants from foreign countries have been required to successfully pass a speaking exam.

If possible, please submit an internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) score when applying to graduate programs.

Minimum Score Requirements for International Teaching Assistantship Consideration*

The following chart provides minimum score requirements for International Teaching Assistantship consideration.*

English Proficiency Test	Minimum score required for International Teaching Assistants
UWM-International Teaching Assistant Assessment (UW-MITAA	36
Internet-based TOEFL (iBT)	23 (on a scale of 1 - 30)
IELTS (academic exam)	Speaking sub-section score: 7.5

*Please note: TOEFL or IELTS scores must be less than two years old from the first day of class at the proposed term of entry in order to be valid.
**For more information about the UWM-International Teaching Assistant Assessment and registration, click here.

Test Score Interpretation and Teaching Recommendations

UW-MITAA	36 - 48
iBT	23 - 30
IELTS	7.5
Oral English skills sufficient for classroom teaching. No further English language training needed.

UW-MITAA	30 - 35
iBT	19 - 22
IELTS	7
Oral English skills marginally sufficient for classroom teaching. Student may be placed in the classroom, but may need extra supervision and support. Concurrent registration in the Oral Skills for International Teaching Assistants class is required.

UW-MITAA	Below 30
iBT	Below 19
IELTS	Below 7
Oral English skills not sufficient for classroom teaching. The Oral English Skills for International Teaching Assistants course given by the English as a Second Language Program and a UW-MITAA above 35 is required before assuming classroom duties.

Oral Skills for International Teaching Assistants & Graduate Students - SPRING 2008

Class Time: Fridays, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Location: Curtin Hall
Cost: $975.00

Registration through the ESL Office — Curtin 672

Description: This two-hour course offers extensive practice in English pronunciation and presentation skills. In addition, a weekly meeting with the course instructor provides one-on-one practice as well as feedback on the student’s speaking skills.

Many of the Schools and Colleges at UW–Milwaukee will fund half of this course, so the student pays $350 when initially registering. (Departments need to send a letter to Mark Sondrol, the ITA Coordinator, in ESL or send an e-mail to sondrol@uwm.edu to verify that a student has been offered a teaching assistantship before the student can register for this course.)