Teaching Orientation

Each summer, the Teaching Center offers a three-part new instructor teaching orientation in collaboration with the School of Arts & Sciences (SAS), the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences (Hajim), and the Office of the Provost. This orientation serves all new instructors of any faculty rank who are full-time employees and:

  • Teach undergraduates in the classroom in any ÂÒÂ×Ç¿¼é school
  • Teach in SAS or Hajim

These three sessions are designed to be an easy and efficient way for instructors to get ready to teach.

Parts one and two can be done in one four-hour block or in two two-hour blocks on Zoom. They occur earlier in the summer so that you have essential information for designing courses in advance of fall semester.

Part three is a half-day, in-person event in late August. It covers just-in-time information for teaching your course and career path information.

Session Overview

Part one: July 19 (9 - 11 a.m.) or July 22 (1 - 3 p.m.) on Zoom

  • Introduction to learner-centered teaching
  • Syllabus overview and template
  • Accessible teaching and universal design for learning
  • Teaching policies and compliance
  • Writing student learning outcomes

Part two: July 19 (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.), July 22 (3 - 5 p.m.), or July 23 (1 - 3 p.m.) on Zoom

  • Introduction to backward course design
  • Designing effective assessments
  • Inclusive feedback and messaging
  • Developing engaging learning activities
  • Introduction to blackboard and instructional software

Part three: August 22, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, in person, Hawkins-Carlson Room, Rush Rheese Library

  • Breakfast
  • Office of Equity and Inclusion: Lara Schwartz, PEN America
    • Setting the Stage for Robust Engagement in the College Classroom
  • Teaching Center
    • Teaching Effectively on the First Day
    • Developing Sustainable Teaching Practices
    • Documenting Teaching Effectiveness
  • Faculty Panel: Leveraging Teaching Professional Development for Your Career
    • Lindsay Baker, Voice, Opera, and Vocal Coaching, Eastman School of Music (by video)
    • Marie-Jöelle Estrada, Psychology, School of Arts & Sciences
    • Ben Partridge, Chemistry, School of Arts & Sciences
    • Adam Purtee, Computer Science, Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences
  • Teaching Center
    • Teaching Support Resources