Center for Teaching Excellence

Director

Jennifer Jefferson is the Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence. She comes to this role after being a Visiting Assistant Professor in University Studies at St. Edward's University. Previously, she taught at The University of Texas at Austin and Texas State University. Her educational background is in American Studies and Cultural Studies in Education.

She is committed to providing programming and support that is responsive to the St. Edward's community, and she collaborates across campus to address the complex needs of faculty at a liberal arts university. Some of her areas of interest include inclusive course development, reflective practice, and peer learning communities.
 

Administrative Coordinator

Juanita Servín

Advisory Board

Alex Barron, Associate Professor of University Studies

Kerrie Taylor, Assistant Professor of Counseling

Stephen King, Professor of Communication

Kate Lopez, Assistant Professor of Accounting

Mity Myhr, Professor of History

Paul Walter, Associate Professor of Mathematics
 

The Center for Teaching Excellence offers a variety of programs to improve teaching at the university, including:

• Consultations
• Books & Coffee Reading and Discussion Group
• Faculty Learning Communities
• New Faculty Support
• Innovation Fellowships and Institute
• Teaching Symposium
• Workshops, seminars, and discussion groups
• Resources, including a library of print books and numerous digital teaching guides and articles
• Programs for departments and schools are also available upon request.

Please visit our blog for more information: http://sites.stedwards.edu/cte/

Faculty Resources for 2021 to 2022

To help faculty prepare for teaching in this new environment, the Center for Teaching Excellence and the Office of Information Technology will continue to offer guidance and host workshops to help faculty develop and teach courses, whether they are face-to-face, hybrid or online, as well as prepare for the possible contingency of going remote again.

To help keep track of events and information, we offer the following resources:

• Google Drive archive of recordings and slides for all CTE and Instructional Technology co-hosted events, as well as additional curated resources.
• Shared Google Calendar with all events related to teaching support, which you can add to your own calendar. Please subscribe to the Teaching Support Events calendar and RSVP to upcoming events. Note: You must subscribe with your St. Edward’s Gmail account.
• Teaching Forum Closed Workplace Group for faculty to promote conversation and sharing so we can help each other prepare.

​As additional reminders, each event will be posted to the university calendar and to Workplace a few days in advance of the workshop. We hope this approach is helpful to you as we try to manage our summer course design processes and teaching.

Books and Coffee--> Podcasts and Coffee
2 sessions: First Wednesday of the month at 1:00 pm (virtual)
Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1
First Thursday of the month at 3:30 pm (masked and outside; if raining, we will move to Zoom)
Oct. 7, Nov.4, Dec. 2

Please let us know if you will be able to join us:RSVP
Here is the link for thus virtual event: Zoom

Mixing it up this semester--welcome to podcasts and coffee! Each month, we will listen to an episode or two of a podcast and come together to discuss the episode(s), much like we do with Books and Coffee. We can build some of the playlist together, too (if there is interest). The goal of this gathering is to engage with scholarship on teaching and learning and talk with colleagues from across campus. Join us!

Read. Try. Chat. : The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters
First Friday of the Month at noon (virtual)
Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3

RSVP: CTE will provide the text; please commit to attend at least 3/4 sessions
Here is the link for these virtual event:Zoom

We're bringing this reading and action group back for the fall semester. Join us for a monthly session where we discuss both this text and how we are applying the strategies offered. As we navigate our way back to a variety of gatherings, we might want to take the opportunity to think more intentionally in how we come together, including in the classroom.

Flexible Options for Instructional Continuity
Wednesday, September 1 at 3:30

Please let us know if you will be able to join us: RSVP
Here is the link for these virtual event: Zoom link 

Have you been notified that a student can't attend your class in person for an extended period of time?Wondering how to help them keep up with class in a way that aligns with your course goals and recognizes our, and their, current context?

This session will review strategies to ensure continuity of instruction, including:

• how to integrate asynchronous activities that align with in-class activities
• options for recording your class
• advice for how students can join class remotely

We envision this session as providing you with some strategies for thinking through your approaches, as well as offering plenty of time for questions and discussion.

Poll Everywhere Faculty Training
Wednesday, August 25, 1-2:30 pm

In this session, Poll Everywhere staff will provide an introduction to using Poll Everywhere, which is an interactive online polling tool that can be used with PowerPoint or Google Slides and can also integrate with Canvas. Topics covered will include creating and managing polling activities, embedding polls in presentations, reporting and grading with Canvas, and asynchronous polls or surveys. There will also be time for questions.
Tracks:

• Blended (Hybrid) and Online Teaching (Begin with Backwards Design)

Please let us know if you will be able to join us: RSVP
Here is the link for these virtual events: Zoom 

Teaching Symposium 2021
Reigniting Your Passion: Finding Joy in Reconnection
Thursday, August 19, 9 am-4:00 pm

Each year, the Center for Teaching Excellence and the Symposium Planning Committee organize an on-campus conference on teaching and learning at St. Edward’s.The conference is planned by St. Edward’s faculty, presentations are proposed and led by St. Edward’s faculty, and it is widely attended by both adjunct and tenure-track faculty as well as administrators and staff.

Getting Started with Canvas
Wednesday, August 11, 2-3:15 pm
Wednesday, August 18, 1:00-2:30 pm

Learn how to get started setting up your Canvas page for your class.
Please let us know if you will be able to join us: Canvas
Here is the link for these virtual events: Zoom 

Rethinking Policies and Syllabi
Tuesday, August 10, 11 am-12:15 pm

The syllabus is a key part of our classes that we often take for granted. In this session, we’ll discuss key goals with our syllabi and share a range of options to help us rethink this foundational document.
Tracks:

• Blended (Hybrid) and Online Teaching (Begin with Backwards Design)
• Inclusive and Anti-Racist Pedagogies (Begin with Inclusive and Anti-Racist Teaching)
• Course Revision (Begin with Critical Reflective Practice)

Please let us know if you will be able to join us: RSVP
Here is the link for thus virtual event: Zoom 

Inclusive Classroom Engagement Strategies

As we have navigated a pandemic, racist violence, a contentious political season, and increasing mental health challenges, we have made a concerted effort to build a sense of belonging for our students. Join us for this session as we dig into research on engagement strategies that are inclusive and affirmative, including approaches to building groups, facilitating discussion, exploring case studies, and problem solving.
Tracks:

• Blended (Hybrid) and Online Teaching (Begin with Backwards Design)
• Inclusive and Anti-Racist Pedagogies (Begin with Inclusive and Anti-Racist Teaching)
• Course Revision (Begin with Critical Reflective Practice)

On Campus: Practicing with Zoom in the Classroom

Will you be teaching a blended/hybrid course in Fall 2021 that combines in-person learning with Zoom? This session will review available classroom technology then offer participants the chance for mentored hands on practice. Participants must be willing to come to campus and follow community standards for COVID-19 safety (wear a mask, social distancing, green badge).
Tracks:

• Blended (Hybrid) and Online Teaching (Begin with Backwards Design)

Discussion Strategies: Live and Asynchronous

A common conversation among faculty, even in the “Before Times,” would be the challenges of creating a vibrant space of participation and respect in class discussions. As we navigate our ways through an upcoming semester of face-to-face, blended/hybrid, and online learning, we may find that some of our previous strategies are beneficial, but could use some refinement. Join us in this workshop as we share research, strategies, and activities for synchronous and asynchronous discussion strategies.
Tracks:

• Blended (Hybrid) and Online Teaching (Begin with Backwards Design)
• Inclusive and Anti-Racist Pedagogies (Begin with Inclusive and Anti-Racist Teaching)

Group Work and Collaborative Learning

How can we have our students work together in meaningful ways? How do you enable student interaction in and between the socially-distanced, hybrid, or online classrooms? This session will cover how to support live student group activities and group project work outside of class.
Tracks:

• Blended (Hybrid) and Online Teaching (Begin with Backwards Design)
• Inclusive and Anti-Racist Pedagogies (Begin with Inclusive and Anti-Racist Teaching)
• Course Revision (Begin with Critical Reflective Practice)

Exams and Quizzes options and alternatives

Due to social distancing and online courses, many courses will not be able to follow the “before times” practice of proctoring exams and quizzes for all students together in the classroom. This session will review options for giving exams and quizzes online in Canvas, proctoring with Honorlock, and alternative forms of formative and summative assessment, like online discussions, social annotation, open book tests, projects, and presentations. Candice Vasquez will join us to discuss challenges of providing accommodations in this context.
Tracks:

• Blended (Hybrid) and Online Teaching (Begin with Backwards Design)
• Inclusive and Anti-Racist Pedagogies (Begin with Inclusive and Anti-Racist Teaching)
• Course Revision (Begin with Critical Reflective Practice)

Managing Sets of Students with Canvas

Will you be teaching a blended/hybrid course i n Fall 2021? Wondering how you will divide your students into two groups to maintain social distancing and then how to manage their activities. This session will review features in Canvas to support this model.
Tracks:

• Blended (Hybrid) and Online Teaching (Begin with Backwards Design) 

Previous CTE Program Schedules:
2020-2021

Teaching Awards

Given annually, teaching excellence awards at St. Edward's University honor faculty for their exceptional talents and dedication to promoting learning in meaningful, engaging and innovative ways. The selection process is rigorous, evaluating candidates' course offerings, curricular designs, instructional methods, classroom performances, and interactions with students.

Four awards are given annually:

• The Sister Donna Jurick Distinguished Career Award is given to one faculty member who has taught at St. Edward's for at least 15 years.
• The Distinguished Teaching Award is given to two contract faculty.
• The Outstanding Teaching Award for Adjunct Faculty is given to one adjunct faculty member.
• The Delayne Hudspeth Award for Innovative Instruction honors a faculty member who has designed an innovative course project or teaching method.

2019-2020 Teaching Winners

Innovation Fellows

Innovation fellowships support faculty who need time, resources and expertise to include pedagogical experimentation in their courses by providing a stipend, participation in the Innovation Institute, and a community of faculty fellows focused on pedagogical innovation.

Learn about our Innovation Fellows and their projects. 

Read about past fellows.

Delayne Hudspeth, retired professor of Curriculum and Instruction and Instructional Technology at the University of Texas, was a mentor to several St. Edward's faculty members and scores of other master's and doctoral students. Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, Dr. Hudspeth's contributions to innovation in higher education are honored by this award. 

The CTE would like to invite you to apply for the Delayne Hudspeth Award for Innovative Instruction. The award, open to all who teach, including full-time (tenure-track and non-tenure-track), part-time, adjunct, and staff who teach, is determined by a panel representing schools across campus and carries a $500 stipend. The application is a Google Form and is due March 15, 2021. Please see below for more details.

Delayne Hudspeth Award for Innovative Instruction 
Deadline: March 15, 2021
Application Form

Who can apply: This award recognizes St. Edward’s instructors who create innovative learning environments and projects. All teaching faculty members -- including full-time (tenure-track and non-tenure-track), part-time, adjunct, and staff who teach -- are encouraged to apply. Previous Award winners will be considered for the Hudspeth Award five years after their previous win.

What projects are eligible: Self-nominations should highlight a specific project, an assignment or exercise, a teaching method, a new use of technology, or the redesign of an entire class.

Instructors may apply for the award based on an innovation implemented in any of the three years previous to the application deadline. For this year's award, projects implemented in any of the following semesters will be eligible:

• Academic year 2017-2018, including Fall 2017, Spring 2018, and Summer 2018
• Academic year 2018-2019, including Fall 2018, Spring 2019, and Summer 2019
• Academic year 2019-2020, including Fall 2019, Spring 2020, and Summer 2020
• Fall 2020

What should the application highlight: Since this award celebrates innovation, preference will be given to projects that demonstrate the greatest levels of innovation and that clearly present the value of that innovation for student learning. Note that the committee does not equate innovation with adoption of new technologies. While some winning projects have featured new uses of technology, many have not.  Please review the Google form before you start crafting your application, as it will help guide you in showcasing your project.

When do you need to submit the application: Please fill out the Google Form by end of the day on Monday, March 15, 2021.

How will a winner be determined: The winner and finalist for the award will be decided upon by the members of Hudspeth Awards Committee. The committee is comprised of representatives from across the university's schools. Applications are blind-reviewed, scored according to the selection criteria, and then discussed until the committee achieves consensus. 

Questions? If you have any questions about the award or would like to discuss your application, please contact Jennifer Jefferson jennej@stedwards.edu. Jennifer facilitates the award process, but is not a voting member.