About the Framework for Advancing Teaching Excellence
Why was the framework developed?
The framework was created to bring intentional focus to a core part of our mission: Teaching. While it is widely understood that L&S values teaching as part of our mission, we’ve not articulated clear, shared values that can inform college and departmental planning, discussions, and activities.
We view this as an investment in transparency and collaboration, allowing us to connect around shared values, openly discuss ideas for continuous improvement, and foster a culture that desires to learn and grow as teaching professionals.
How will the framework help departments?
The framework gives departments a clear and organized way to engage in collaborative priority planning, discuss needs, set goals, and recognize successes.
What activities fall outside the scope of the framework?
The framework does not directly address budget, staffing, or tenure policies, nor is it intended to replace or replicate existing teaching and learning support programs on campus. Instead, it provides a framework to help departments set their own goals for teaching and learning.
Who is the intended audience for the framework?
The primary audiences for the framework are department chairs and instructional leaders who play a role in supporting the teaching mission of their departments. The framework also supports L&S Administration in facilitating college-wide conversations, initiatives, supports, and feedback.
Statement on Teaching Excellence
What is the L&S Statement on Teaching Excellence?
The L&S Statement on Teaching Excellence outlines our guiding principles to support student learning. It’s intentionally flexible to fit many contexts, respecting the many forms teaching excellence can take across L&S’s diverse disciplines.
How can the L&S Statement on Teaching Excellence be used in practice?
Departments can use the statement to reflect on their goals, inform teaching practices, and foster a culture that values high-quality, inclusive, and innovative instruction. For example, the statement may be used to inspire questions when hiring new faculty and instructional academic staff. Departments may also consider adapting it to support growth and reflection as part of a performance review process.
Activity Guide
Are departments required to engage with every activity in the guide?
No. Consider the activity guide inspiration for planning. Use the ideas within to determine immediate and longer-term possibilities to focus your department’s efforts.
Can Departments define their own activities?
Yes. Departments may also define their own activities to support your own priorities.
What support is available to departments?
L&S Teaching & Learning Administration has team members available to support your department.
- Academic Planning & Data: Kimbrin Cornelius
- Graduate Student Instructor Training & Support: Lynne Prost
- Instructional Design Collaborative: Jonathan Klein
Is there a reporting requirement?
Tracking accomplishments and opportunities for growth is an important part of strategic and continual improvement. We do not have reporting processes established now, but we are seeking feedback on the most useful and effective ways to facilitate it. We want it to be useful and efficient.
Department T&L Liaison Role
What is the Teaching & Learning Liaison?
The Teaching & Learning Liaison is a unit representative who serves as a link between the department and the College. They support a two-way flow of information about teaching excellence priorities – from the College to departments, and vice versa.
Why is each department being asked to designate a T&L Liaison?
Building and sustaining a culture of teaching excellence is a core goal of this framework. Teaching & Learning Liaisons are part of an infrastructure for efficient and focused sharing, attention, and energy to sustain a culture of teaching excellence.
Who should serve as a T&L Liaison?
There are several models that departments can consider when designating a T&L Liaison.
- Director of Undergraduate Studies: This role may naturally align with the responsibilities of the Director of Undergraduate Studies by integrating teaching leadership with existing responsibilities for undergraduate programs.
- Assistant Professor: The T&L Liaison role can be a manageable time commitment that offers early career faculty an opportunity for professional development, service experience, and connection to the broader teaching community.
- Teaching Faculty: The T&L Liaison role may be ideal for an experienced academic staff instructor or teaching faculty member by allowing them to extend their teaching expertise in service and leadership to the department.
Can multiple T&L Liaisons be appointed in one department? If so, how should they work together?
Yes. Departments are welcome to appoint one or more Teaching & Learning Liaisons depending on the needs of their unit. In cases where multiple leads are appointed, they should work as a team to ensure a cohesive and unified approach for the department.
What incentives are available for T&L Liaisons?
T&L Liaisons will have access to workshops, community events, and opportunities for cross-departmental connection with other teaching leaders. This role also provides a platform to advocate for their department’s unique teaching needs and to shape college-wide initiatives and resources with direct input.