Pioneer Teaching and Learning Academy

"Participating in the pioneer teaching and learning academia (PTLA) provides an unparalleled opportunity for new and advanced TWU teachers to shape and influence the future of education. By exploring innovative methods and strategies, PTLA participants have the potential to transform the way we teach and learn."

Lionel Faure, Ph.D., Assistant Clinical Professor, Biology

Purpose of the Academy

The purpose of the Pioneer Teaching and Learning Academy (PTLA) is to provide expert peer support and a forum for growth/enhancement in teaching and learning. The Academy will provide education and development activities for face-to-face (F2F), hybrid, and online teaching and learning practices. The PTLA experience includes introductory activities in teaching development, learning theory, and curricular innovation. The activities will then be supported by meetings over the course of the academic year. Participants, known as the PTLA Scholars will each be paired with a Mentor. This dyad, will also be supported by personnel from the Center for Faculty Success. The team will collaborate to transform teaching and learning practices of the Scholars and disseminate their projects to colleagues.

The Academy will offer faculty the opportunity to:

Explore current trends and research on teaching and learning
Meet and network with TWU units dedicated to teaching and learning
Transform personal teaching practice
Meet and interact with others passionate about teaching
Discuss issues of teaching and learning in a supportive environment
Provide additional support to help other participants improve teaching and learning

This program will help create a culture supportive of the scholarship of teaching and learning at TWU and will enhance the teaching skills of individual faculty members.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Scholar

All full-time faculty members are eligible to apply. Successful applicants will be selected with the expectation that the faculty members will continue in service at the University for at least one academic year after the conclusion of the program.

PTLA Scholar Selection Criteria

Interest in teaching enhancement
Interest in sharing teaching and learning strategies with others and developing a sense of community
Analysis of strengths and weaknesses related to teaching and learning
Description of how PTLA can support improvements in teaching and learning practices
Participation in TWU faculty development offerings
Record reflecting success in publication and presentation

Mentor

PTLA Mentors will be selected from a pool of TWU faculty members. Membership in the pool is for one PTLA cycle. Membership in the pool is not a guarantee of selection. Application for initial membership in the pool requires completion of the application materials plus submission of at least TWO of the following:

Evidence of primary instructor of record of a discipline-specific course on university teaching
Recipient of a TWU award for distinction in teaching
Letter of recommendation from the current Department Chair/Dean
Written explanation about teaching effectiveness and interests

PTLA Mentor Selection Criteria

Evidence of scholarly record of publications and presentations about teaching and learning
Description of interest(s) in teaching and learning
Specific expertise that will contribute to the successful mentoring of a Scholar
Interest in sharing teaching and learning strategies with others and developing a sense of community
Inclusion of additional information as detailed in eligibility requirements

"PTLA provides an opportunity to gain a variety of perspectives to approach your teaching that can be adapted to your content and your students. I love working with my mentor, visiting his classes, and learning from him and his students."

Jerry Burkett, EdD, Assistant Professor, Teacher Education

Time Commitment

Applicants who are chosen to participate will be required to do the following:

Scholar

Requirements during the PTLA year

Tier 1 (Fall Semester)

Attend kickoff Academy activities (TBD) in Denton
Attend at least two regular PTLA meetings during Fall 2024 (schedule TBD)
Attend two regular dyad meetings (documented by Mentor) during Fall 2024 (schedule determined with Mentor)
Permit access for one observation of teaching practices or online course by assigned Mentor

Tier 2 (Spring Semester)

Submit a reflection on teaching outlining perceived strengths, weaknesses, and goals to your Mentor
Attend at least two regular PTLA meetings during Spring 2025 (schedule TBD)
Attend two regular dyad meetings (documented by Mentor) during Spring 2025 (schedule determined with Mentor)
Permit access for one observation of teaching practices or online course by assigned Mentor
Present at the Teaching and Learning Symposium in August (solo or with Mentor)
Submit a written report to the Center for Faculty Success

Mentor

Requirements during the PTLA year

Tier 1 (Fall Semester)

Attend kickoff Academy activities (TBD) in Denton
Attend at least two regular PTLA meetings during Fall 2024 (schedule TBD)
Attend two regular dyad meetings (documented by Mentor) during Fall 2024 (schedule determined with Scholar)
Conduct one observation of PTLA Scholar’s teaching

Tier 2 (Spring Semester)

Attend at least two regular PTLA meetings during Spring 2025 (schedule TBD)
Attend two regular dyad meetings (documented by Mentor) during Spring 2025 (schedule determined with Mentor)
Conduct one observation of PTLA Scholar’s teaching
Submit a written report to the Center for Faculty Success

Compensation for Scholars and Mentors

Funding will be released based on completion of Tier 1 and 2 activities. One half of total will be made available after completion of Tier 1. The remainder will be made available after completion of Tier 2 activities.

Note: The written report is not considered in the funding process for Scholars or Mentors. Submission of a proposal to present satisfies the Scholar’s commitment to present at the Teaching and Learning Symposium.

Scholar ($2,000)

Registration and travel to teaching and learning conferences
Specialized certifications related to teaching
Third-party courses to improve teaching skills and techniques

Mentor ($1,200)

Registration and travel to teaching and learning conferences
Specialized certifications related to teaching
Third-party courses to improve teaching skills and techniques

Page last updated 10:17 AM, May 24, 2024