This milestone can be achieved by graduate student teaching assistants*, graduate
student instructors of record, postdocs, and new faculty*. The components of this
milestone cover a selection of topics relevant to effective and evidence-based college
teaching to start on the path toward an inclusive, innovative, and reflective teaching
practice.
How Do I Earn This Milestone?
To earn this milestone, complete at least 20 hours total from the choices below (one item must be a CELT course or the College Teaching
Seminars) OR complete 1 from each level below: Developing, Expanding, Shaping, Sustaining
within a 2-year period.
*For graduate student TAs who started their program after Fall 2020 (and are not instructors
of record), TA training is a prerequisite for the rest of the milestone choices.
*The College Teaching Seminars component is open to graduate students/postdocs only.
Descriptions
Developing College Teaching
(prerequisite for TAs, counts towards total hours) Hours: 6-9 asynchronous modules and synchronous/asynchronous discussion
Description: This blended asynchronous/synchronous online course is an introduction
to fundamental college teaching theory and practice. Self-paced modules with content
related to key topics in college teaching such as inclusive pedagogy, effective assessment,
classroom management, and teaching online are accompanied by interactive discussions
to dive deeper into the module topics (option of synchronous Zoom discussions or asynchronous
VoiceThread discussions).
If you are a graduate student/new doctoral student, you can register for GRD 697 while
enrolled in TA Training (or at any time, if applicable), to have this course appear
on your transcript (0 credit). New faculty can access the course without registering,
please contact CELT. Hours are similar but structure is suggested over 1 semester
and there are additional practice tasks to submit.
Hours: 6-9 asynchronous modules, synchronous/asynchronous discussion, assessments/ practice tasks
Description: This blended asynchronous/synchronous online course is an introduction
to fundamental college teaching theory and practice. You will choose among a selection
of self-paced modules with content to review and practice tasks to submit related
to key topics in college teaching such as inclusive pedagogy, effective assessment,
classroom management, and teaching online. The modules are accompanied by interactive
discussions to dive deeper into the topics (option of synchronous Zoom discussions
or asynchronous VoiceThread discussions).
Expanding College Teaching
(open to Grad Students/Postdocs only) Hours: 9 must attend at least 6 1.5-hour sessions offered on one academic year (Fall/Spring
semester)
Description: Offered in partnership with the Center for Inclusive Education (CIE),
the College Teaching Seminars is a bi-weekly seminar series open to all graduate TAs
and Postdocs. The series continues throughout the academic year with 1.5-hour sessions
on relevant topics in college teaching such as Inclusive Pedagogy and Student Engagement.
The sessions are a mix of interactive sessions and panel discussions, facilitated
by CELT/CIE staff and faculty guest speakers.
Hours: 15
Description: This facilitated online asynchronous course will introduce you to theory
and practice of effective online teaching and learning. The course takes place either
over 5-weeks or 2.5 weeks (accelerated option). Through evidence-based content, short
activities, and thoughtful discussions you will identify ways to make your online
course inclusive, accessible, and engaging.
Hours: 15
Description: In this self-paced asynchronous course you will explore the fundamental
concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusivity with fellow participants. Topics such
as positionality, anti-racist pedagogy, and accessibility are introduced through interactive
discussions and thought-provoking activities to help you challenge biases, promote
equity, and foster inclusive learning environments.
Shaping Impactful Teaching
Hours: 3-5 meetings, reflections; class time for visit(s) does not count
Description: Participate in this reflective process to get formative feedback on your
teaching and course design using CELT’s informal checklists or validated tools for
in-person and online courses. Request one or more class visits or course reviews in
order to set teaching goals, self-reflect, and get targeted suggestions during pre/post
visit meetings. There is the option to add student feedback survey(s) and video recording
where applicable.
Hours: 3-5 workshops or meetings, drafting, and editing
Description: Participate in a two-part workshop, request for a group, or complete
by one-on-one consultation. Become familiar with how to develop your teaching philosophy
and what an effective teaching statement looks like You will reflect on and discuss
how to get started with your draft statement. After reviewing the resources, you will
prepare a draft statement, then either give feedback to each other with a guided peer
review activity or reflect and edit from one-on-one guidance.
Sustaining Impactful Teaching
Hours: 2-4 meetings and written reflection
Description: Meet with CELT staff to discuss a specific aspect of your teaching or
course that is posing a challenge or you wish to improve. Implement a small change
to address this issue, along with CELT guidance. Once implemented, write a reflection
about the process and instructor/student experience.
Hours: 2-4 must attend 2 meetings in one semester
Description: You will participate virtually in small groups interested in common topics
to set goals, learn from each other, and explore important issues in college teaching.
CELT staff will help with your initial goal setting, finding resources, and providing
teaching development during the meetings. You would bring your group together or join
others, schedule meetings on your own time, and be in contact with CELT staff.
