Enhancing Education: Santa Clara University Launches Innovative Center to Elevate Teaching Quality

Santa Clara University is set to launch its Center for Teaching Excellence this fall, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to improving education. This initiative stems from the university’s Impact 2030 Strategic Plan and highlights its reputation for strong undergraduate teaching, recognized nationally by U.S. News & World Report.

Amy Lueck, the associate provost for faculty development, has been at the forefront of this project. “It’s great to finally have a dedicated center for teaching support,” she shared, noting that many faculty members were unaware of the existing resources. The groundwork for this center began over ten years ago, driven by Lueck’s predecessor and other collaborators. The initiative recently gained momentum under new Provost Jim Glaser, who prioritized its establishment when he joined last summer.

The university is currently looking for a director for the center, with a competitive salary range of $131,800 to $144,500. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in teaching and faculty development. This center’s mission includes advancing effective teaching practices and providing resources for faculty to improve their pedagogy.

A significant part of the center’s effort is to support faculty development, especially as the university hires about 70 new faculty members each year. “New hires will likely be encouraged to participate in training offered by the center,” Lueck explained. Faculty surveys have shown a strong desire for workshops on teaching methods, collaborative education, and evidence-based practices.

The center will take over existing programs like teaching grants and training sessions from the Faculty Development office. Plans include hosting workshops and supporting faculty learning communities to encourage a more engaging teaching culture.

Additionally, the center will focus on Jesuit Ignatian pedagogy, which emphasizes inclusive and equitable teaching. “It’s not just about theory; it’s about practical application,” Lueck noted, highlighting the need for faculty to understand how to implement these approaches in their classrooms.

The center will also work with Faculty Associates, who are skilled teachers across disciplines, to deliver high-quality programming. This approach aims to utilize internal expertise rather than relying solely on external consultants.

Recognizing the efforts of faculty, the center plans to offer stipends for those who engage deeply with its programming. Though the compensation may seem small, Lueck explained that it serves as a gesture of appreciation for their contributions.

The center will be funded by the provost’s office, with plans to seek donor support for sustainability. While it won’t directly interact with students, Lueck emphasized a student-centered mission, inviting students to share their needs to improve their learning experience.

This move aligns with a larger trend in higher education focusing on structured support for teaching, as institutions recognize the vital role faculty development plays in maintaining high educational standards in a rapidly evolving landscape.



Source link