Introductory physics courses at the university level heavily rely on teaching assistants (TAs), who lead exercise sessions that provide hands-on, often project-based, practice to reinforce the fundamental concepts introduced in lectures. At ETH Zurich, we offer subject-specific physics courses, serving nearly 3,500 students from across all STEM disciplines. Each year, over 200 TAs serve as the primary point of contact for students and play a vital role in their learning experience. However, many of these TAs have no pedagogical background and strongly need support to develop their instructional skills. To address it, we launched the Engaging Physics Tutoring Hub (EPT-hub) — an interactive, community-based initiative designed to foster professional teaching development (ept.ethz.ch).

This work reports on the outcomes of the EPT-hub operation at ETH Zurich since its initiation in 2021, relying on the following two components:
- Development of disciplinary didactical toolkits and categorized databases of teaching materials, fostering exchange and collaboration within TAs community.
- Training in teaching and transversal skills and the creation of inspiring spaces that support personal and professional growth of TAs — empowering them to become role models for their students.

Following the successful development of essential teaching materials, the EPT-hub has shifted its focus toward creating inclusive spaces dedicated to TA training. A key highlight of this effort is our annual high-profile summer camp, launched in 2022 (last edition: ept.ethz.ch/camp2025). This multi-day, immersive event brings together around 40 selected participants and internationally renowned keynotes. The camp explores innovative didactic techniques and fosters the development of transversal skills, supporting both the personal and professional growth of TAs. Over the years, it has evolved into a space for reflection — a pause from daily routines to reimagine our educational vision and values.

It emphasizes the importance of teamwork in teaching, mutual care, humanization and inspiration, especially in the context of a rapidly evolving AI landscape. Each year’s program is uniquely designed in a storytelling format, with a sequence of interconnected workshops. A defining feature is the close collaboration between participants and inspiring international guests, for example such as: Kathrin Altwegg (Rosetta mission), Christoph Biemann (German TV show Sendung mit der Maus) Yaroslav Dzhus (bandura impro), Manu Kapur (creator of the concept of productive failure), Johanna Longren (emotions in teaching and sustainability).

To broaden perspectives, the camp also integrates unconventional well-being and artistic activities — from martial arts and glass-blowing to bandura music, drumming, and drawing. These experiences open new horizons for participants with technical backgrounds, often leaving a lasting impact on various aspects of their lives.

Feedback and follow-up activities consistently show that the knowledge and skills gained during the camp are not only transferable but also have a positive and lasting influence on participants’ teaching practices and professional development.

Keywords: Community of teaching practice, teaching assistants, higher education, physics.