The non-credit Certificate in College Teaching* provides Drexel University graduate students and postdocs with the experience and credentials to help them become more effective instructors in higher education or to prepare for careers outside academia that involve training or teaching. This non-credit program is designed for participants with a range of teaching experience. It has the flexibility to meet the needs of our diverse participants and to provide a structure within which participants can develop pedagogical skills and best practices and formally document their professional development. The completion of this program recognizes participants’ commitment to effective teaching and culminates in the development of teaching philosophy or teaching portfolio.
Visit the Graduate College website for more information and to register.
*This program was developed by the Graduate College, Teaching and Learning Learning Center, Online Learning Council Faculty Fellows, and Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.
The Certificate in College Teaching for faculty is a non-credit online cohort-based program designed to help college instructors at all levels develop their teaching craft within a community of like-minded peers. We will examine research on how students learn, explore diverse pedagogical approaches, and exchange ideas and feedback. The Certificate curriculum focuses on evidence-based, inclusive pedagogies in post-secondary education, encouraging participants to develop a more intentional approach to their practice.
The Certificate program combines high flexibility with a carefully designed structure that allows participants to acquire new knowledge and skills and build a network of colleagues, while minimizing schedule conflicts. Participants receive a paper and digital certificate of completion that can serve as a record of professional development and commitment to effective teaching.
2023-2024 Eligibility Requirements
- Must be current part-time or full-time faculty from September 15, 2023 - June 1, 2024.
Program Details
To earn the Certificate for College Teaching, participants must complete all four components of the program by the noted deadlines.
- Completion of five asynchronous two-week mini-courses:
- Inclusive Teaching Strategies (October 9-October 23)
- Introduction to Backward Course Design (October 30-November 13)
- Active and Collaborative Learning Techniques (January 22-February 5)
- Assessing Student Learning (February 12-February 26)
- Peer Review of Teaching (TBD, spring 2024)
- Participation in two elective teaching workshops (with written reflection)
Participants should register for and attend one pedagogy-themed workshop offered at Drexel University in the fall term and one in the winter term. A calendar of workshops will be available at the start of the program.
- Participation in three one-on-one teaching consultations
Each participant will meet three times with a teaching consultant, once each in the fall, winter, and spring terms. Teaching consultations can focus on any aspect of teaching, including course design and delivery, developing learning activities and assessments, creating or refining course materials, or drafting a teaching philosophy.
- Submission of a teaching philosophy and reflective statement
Participants will submit a teaching philosophy developed or revised as a result of their participation in the program. They will also submit a short reflective statement describing their experience in the program and how it impacted their teaching
Time Commitment
Each of the five two-week mini-courses is offered asynchronously. The mini-courses include reading materials, video lectures, and a VoiceThread discussion. Approximate time commitment per course is 2-3 hours over a two week time frame. Additionally, participants will choose two more professional development workshops offered at Drexel University. s varies, but 90-minute workhops are common. Teaching consultations are approximately 45-60 minutes each.
Statement of Interest
Please indicate your interest in participating in our pilot cohort by completing this short form on or before September 15th, 2023. Please note that space is limited, and participation in the pilot cohort is not guaranteed. Those selected as part of the inaugural cohort will be notified on September 20th, 2023.
By applying, you agree to participate in all mini-course modules, elective workshops, and consultations, and to complete Certificate assignments.
Complete Interest Survey