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Student success is at the heart of the UWM 2030 Action Plan. Educators possess ample training as experts in their field, but most have limited formal training on how to structure and implement effective learning experiences. The Educators Institute provides an opportunity for tenure-track/tenured faculty and academic staff to engage in course (re)design that will improve student outcomes through research-based teaching.
Important Dates:
Application Deadline: Monday, October 16, 2023 by 4:30pm
Program Occurs In-Person:
Retreat: Tuesday, January 9 & 16, 2024 8:30am to 12:30pm
Main Program: Tuesdays and Thursdays January 23 to May 2, 2024 8:30am to 9:45am
Program Benefits:
- $4,500 Stipend upon completion of all modules and a course (re)design
- (Re)designed course built with the support of in-person instruction and individualized feedback
- Credentials certification
- Involvement in an interdisciplinary UWM peer educator network
Who Should Apply:
All UWM tenure-track/tenured faculty and academic staff are encouraged to apply, particularly those who teach classes with high student D/F/W rates, large lectures, or high first-year student enrollments.
Educators Institute Application Directions:
The UWM Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) is accepting applications for participation in the Spring 2024 Educators Institute. All UWM tenure-track/tenured faculty and academic staff are encouraged to apply, particularly those who teach classes with high student D/F/W rates, large lectures, or high first-year student enrollments.
To apply, compile the following materials into a single pdf and email your submission to afehring@uwm.edu no later than 4:30pm on Monday, October 16, 2023.
Application Materials:
Statement of Participation Goals (500 words maximum)
Describe your motivation for participating in the Educators Institute, highlighting three teaching goals you hope to accomplish through your participation (e.g., incorporate active learning strategies, increase assignment transparency).
Reflection on Teaching Challenges (500 words maximum)
Briefly describe three teaching challenges you have experienced related to student learning (e.g., student confusion over assignment directions, difficulty fostering curiosity/motivation). Select one of these challenges, then explain the challenge in greater detail — including why you think this challenge occurs.
Identify the Course for (Re)Design and Reflection on Needed Improvement (500 words maximum)
List the title and number of the course you will (re)design, as well as the following course characteristics:
- Size (number of students)
- Primary student status level (First-year, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate)
- Modality (face-to-face, hybrid, online, etc.)
- Course is an elective, required, and/or general education requirement (GER)
Then explain why you selected this course and specific aspects of the course you plan to improve (e.g., better large lecture class design, improving student learning of core concepts).
Sample Syllabus
Provide a copy of your most recent syllabus for the class you plan to re-design and teach again. If you are designing a course that is new for you but already exists, provide a copy of a syllabus from one of your other courses and a copy of the current course syllabus (even if it is not yours) for the re-design. If you are creating a new course that did not exist previously, provide a copy of one of your recent syllabi and note that you will be creating a new course.
Statement of Personal Commitment
Submit a one-page statement confirming you will:
- Attend all scheduled Educators Institute sessions in Spring 2024 that will be held on Tuesdays, January 9 and 16, 2024 from 8:30am to 12:30pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays from January 23 to May 2, 2024 from 8:30am to 9:45am.
- Complete all modules and submit a course (re)design.
- Participate in Educators Institute pre- and post- assessments.
Statement of Departmental and College Commitment
Include a statement of support from your Department Chair and Dean that indicates how they will support your participation in the Educators Institute (e.g., assuring you are not scheduled for teaching/meetings during the Educators Institute meeting times, recognizing your participation in performance reviews).