Beginnings: Practical Topics in Teaching for New Faculty

Invitation to apply (by Sept 23)

Join us for "Beginnings: Practical Topics in Teaching for New Faculty," an in-person weekly series organized around key ideas to consider as you prepare and teach your UO courses. This series is hosted by the Teaching Engagement Program (TEP), UO Online, and the Office of the Provost. Together we'll explore teaching topics like active learning and designing assessments, with each session offering bite-sized, concrete teaching practices. This series also offers the opportunity to build genuine teaching community with faculty colleagues. We hope this program will help faculty feel even more prepared, confident, and connected as you teach your first courses here.  

Faculty sitting at a small table talking and laughing together

If you are interested in this program, are in your first three years of teaching at UO, and can attend all sessions in person*, you meet the program requirements. We use applications only to ensure we have enough space, that you are able to commit to attending at least seven of the eight sessions, and to learn more about your needs and interests. 

UO has a vibrant teaching culture, and we can’t wait to welcome you to it!

*We know that an important subset of UO faculty are not in Eugene or would need a remote option to participate; while we are unable to offer a hybrid experience this year, we hope to in future years, and we are always available for remote individual consultations.

Apply by Sept 23

Program details:

  • When: Wednesdays, from 2-3pm, starting week 1 of the term and ending week 9. Dates include:
    • September 30
    • October 7, 14, 21, 28
    • November 4, 18 (skipping Veteran's Day on Nov 11 and Nov 25, the week of Thanksgiving)
    • December 2
  • What we'll focus on:
    • 9/30: Community-building
    • 10/7: Learning theories and teaching identity
    • 10/14: Backward design
    • 10/21: Assessment
    • 10/28: Active learning
    • 11/4: Course & lesson planning
    • 11/18: Canvas design
    • 12/2: Reflection and celebration 
       

Feedback from past participants:

We first offered this program in 2024. Our thanks to the faculty who participated in the last two iterations and shared such useful feedback. For those who are considering applying, here are some of the things we heard from past participants:

  • "This was an invaluable resource. I appreciated the orientation to several resources on campus, the sharing of engagement techniques from colleagues and the non-judgmental space to be able to discuss hesitancies and excitements about teaching."
  • "The small group/table discussions were everything! I really appreciated being able to discuss ideas, questions, concerns with my colleagues in a small group setting."
  • "Each discussion has been great. I feel like I’ve been able to contribute to each topic, and I think our discussions have been well-paced." 
  • "I love hearing concrete examples of activities that colleagues use in the classroom! That makes me feel more prepared for my course. I also loved the Canvas resources and the open discussions."
  • "Opportunities to learn about what the UO asks of us in teaching, inspiration for incorporating evidence-based teaching into classes"
  • "Just the right topics, just the right experts, just the right number of peers in the room from whom to learn. Good templates and other tools. Good guest experts."
  • "I feel fortunate to go through the course and have already been implementing content in my teaching"
  • "As someone new to the UO community this was a great way to be in the broader community :)"