The mission of the Shaw University Center for Teaching and Learning (SU-CTL) is to provide faculty encouragement and support to (1) enhance teaching and maximize student success through evidence-based, diverse and inclusive pedagogical methods; (2) conduct research and scholarly activities; and (3) collaborate in a venue where professional learning can promote change in the University and extends beyond its locale. The mission of the CTL at Shaw University is fulfilled by:
- Creating an office that provides opportunities and resources to help strengthen the professional and technological skills of faculty and staff.
- Providing funds for faculty and staff to attend conferences and workshops pertinent to the teaching and learning process, technological skills, as well as customer-focused training.
- Organizing in-house workshops and conferences on the integration and use of technology.
- Instituting activities that help new employees quickly adjust and get assimilated into the institutional and professional arenas.
- Providing a supportive and rewarding system for faculty and staff who are innovative and are recognized by their peers for their excellence.
- Providing financial assistance in the form of mini-grant awards for activities and projects geared toward promoting and improving teaching effectiveness, scholarship, and enhancing student learning.
- Providing a forum for faculty to dialog with one another -brown-bag seminars - sharing ideas, discussing issues that are pertinent to the overall teaching profession, individual research, and / or student learning, while also creating a sense of community
Center for Teaching and Learning Vision Statement
In alignment with the vision of Shaw University’s Centers of Excellence, the Shaw University Center for Teaching and Learning will become recognized as an office that (1) supports faculty in the areas of pedagogy, mentoring, research and leadership while utilizing evidence-based best practices to improve and sustain excellence in pedagogy and student learning and (2) provides services that meet the evolving needs of our clients, resulting in them choosing us first and recognizing us as their best choice. Additionally, through activities provided by the SU-CTL, faculty, and staff build partnerships and develop skills to strengthen not only their lives and our students but their communities as well.
Goals
- Engaging in Needs Assessment Activities
Submitting surveys to faculty to understand and validate the needs of faculty, especially as they relate to their disciplines; stages in their career; roles as professors, researchers, and scholars in alignment with our University’s mission, and strategic priorities.
- Designing and Developing Strategies that Promote Individual, Pedagogical, Curricular, and Organizational Growth
Designing structured activities such as workshops, programs, seminars, webinars to promote faculty growth and success with pedagogy, curricula, and departmental goals. Providing support to faculty to teach for student-centered learning, assess student outcomes, teach underprepared students. Integrating technology strategically into teaching and learning environments. Creating an inclusive and respectful learning environment for a community of learners that is increasingly diverse.
- Planning and Delivering Oral Presentations
Assisting faculty with planning and communicating through the dissemination of information while using their language, style, and appropriate material.
- Producing Print and Non-Print Communications
Designing and developing forms of communication to support faculty development activities. This will also include revising our website and providing information to aid faculty with being productive with their personal growth, pedagogy, professional portfolio development, and other areas.
- Conducting Research About Teaching and Learning
Investigating and validating best practices for strategies and impacts of instructional development.
- Establishing and Maintaining Consulting Relationships
Networking and collaborating with individuals and organizations to support teaching and learning.
- Providing measures of recognition and awards
Honoring faculty and staff who exhibit a strong commitment to the Excellence vision and have advanced the University.
Contact
Director: Dr. Vonda Reed
su-ctl@shawu.edu
(919) 546-8625