College Teaching Basics Milestone

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.