Academy for Teaching Transformation

Facilitators: Megan Calvert & Diego Hernandez
Fridays, 2:00-4:00 PM, via Zoom
Session 1 - September 22 | Session 2 - October 20 | Session 3 - December 1

Because of the unique diversity of Montgomery College, classes in all disciplines are likely to include multiple English learners from a variety of language backgrounds. Furthermore, since a recent state-level policy change allows many Maryland high school graduates to bypass language placement testing requirements, faculty sometimes face new challenges in helping these learners succeed. This workshop series will equip faculty in any discipline with tools and concrete techniques that better support English learners and improve classroom equity.

PARTICIPANTS MUST ATTEND ALL THREE SESSIONS TO RECEIVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CREDIT FOR THE SERIES

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate empathy for the unique challenges English learners face in the classroom
• Explain basic elements of the language learning process and their effects on student performance
• Identify the impact of cultural differences on teaching and learning
• Apply teaching techniques and strategies to support English learners, including Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

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Facilitators: Sara Kalifa & Carolien Annink
Fridays, 2:00-4:00 PM, via Zoom
Session 1 - September 22 | Session 2 - October 20 | Session 3 - December 1

Are you genuinely interested in understanding how students learn and how best to engage students, particularly our nontraditional, first-gen and underserved student populations? In this workshop series, the seminal Seven Principles of Good Undergraduate Education will be re-examined with the concept of engaged teaching in the post-pandemic college classroom in mind. Participants will discuss high-quality instruction in face-to-face, online and hybrid classrooms, and deepen their knowledge with practical applications of theory and research, and with participants’ experiences for real-world teaching and learning

PARTICIPANTS MUST ATTEND ALL THREE SESSIONS TO RECEIVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CREDIT FOR THE SERIES

By the end of this workshop series, participants will be able to:

• Discuss and critique the Seven Principles with a post-pandemic & an engaged college teaching perspective
• Analyze their own teaching practice within the framework of the Seven Principles and engaged teaching
• Compare and contrast their experiences, with new pedagogical information and colleagues’ experiences
• Design, deliver and evaluate course plans for their current courses

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Facilitators: Paul Miller & Gloria Barron
Fridays, 2:00-4:00 PM, via Zoom
Session 1 - September 22 | Session 2 - October 20 | Session 3 - December 1

Discover how AI and ChatGPT can revolutionize education and enhance student learning outcomes by attending this new Academy Series for Fall '23. Learn about the basics of AI and its ethical implications, explore the capabilities and limitations of ChatGPT, and develop a plan for implementing this cutting-edge technology in your classroom. Gain valuable insights from expert facilitators and collaborate with a community of like-minded educators. Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your teaching approach and prepare your students for the future!

PARTICIPANTS MUST ATTEND ALL THREE SESSIONS TO RECEIVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CREDIT FOR THE SERIES

By the end of this series, participants will be able to:

• Describe the potential applications of AI in education, 
• Develop a clear plan for implementing ChatGPT in education and preparedness for implementation, 
• Evaluate selected literature and case studies on implementing AI in education.

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Facilitator: Stephanie Landon
Fridays, 2:00-4:00 PM, via Zoom
Session 1 - September 223 | Session 2 - October 20 | Session 3 - December 1

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) supports strategies for building an inclusive classroom by refining the design of learning environments to meet learners where they are. Participants will be introduced to the concept of UDL, accessibility, and implementation of practical applications of UDL to increase accessibility in instruction. After learning about Universal Design for Learning, participants will incorporate the principles of UDL into an existing course. 

PARTICIPANTS MUST ATTEND ALL THREE SESSIONS TO RECEIVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CREDIT FOR THE SERIES

By the end of this series, participants will be able to:

• Define the principles of and explain the benefits of using Universal Design for Learning.
• Describe and identify barriers to implementing Universal Design for Learning.
• Develop an action plan for implementing Universal Design for Learning

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While strongly recommended to full-time faculty in their first, second, and third year of teaching at MC, the program is open to all MC faculty, full-time and part-time, and to instructional staff. Each semester, faculty and instructional staff sign up for one workshop series. An Academy for Teaching Transformation workshop series consists of three monthly, synchronous meetings, focused on one pedagogical theme. 

Some of the topics are offered every semester, and new, relevant topics will be added each year.

Participants are expected to attend all three sessions of that series on the designated afternoons listed throughout the semester. If you are unable to attend all three sessions, you will be dropped from the series.

No, you will have the choice of completing the extra work associated with the digital badge if it is available in the session that you select.

The Academy was designed in support of two MC 2025 Goals: Goal 2--Enhancing Transformational Teaching Practices and Goal 4--Supporting and Investing in MC Employees.