Who We Are
Since 1992 the Searle Center’s mission has been to advance learning.
We are committed to deepening reflective, evidence-informed, and innovative pedagogical practices; bolstering student success and instructor vitality; and stimulating assessment to drive substantive course and curricular change.
Aligned with the University priority of delivering an outstanding educational experience, we lead initiatives to enhance teaching and learning so all students can thrive at Northwestern. We partner to build a robust educational development infrastructure and expand capacity for strategic institutional change.
Strategic Plan 2025–2030
Explore innovative ideas for lasting impact.
Learn more.Featured Programs
August 2026
Take a fresh, effective approach to designing or redesigning a course in this immersive institute. Guided by Searle Center educational developers, participants build a student-centered, Canvas-ready syllabus using backward design and collaborative dialogue, leaving with a course structure, aligned learning outcomes, and practical strategies to support student learning and well-being.
2026–2027
Grow as a leader in learning and teaching through a year of pedagogical experimentation, critical reflection, and joyful celebration. This time-honored fellowship program recognizes and supports the great promise of early-career faculty members, who routinely report the positive impact of this fellowship on the progress of their academic careers.
2026–2027 Applications Open: Graduate Students and Postdocs
Make a meaningful impact on learning and teaching in higher education.
The Searle Center's yearlong learning communities for graduate students and postdocs provide guided pedagogical and professional development that builds confidence in the classroom and strengthens preparation for the academic and non-academic job market.
Reflective & Effective Teaching (RET) is a cohort-based certificate program for graduate students and postdocs from any discipline who want to improve student learning through reflective, evidence-based teaching. Participants engage with peers and facilitators to thoughtfully develop their teaching practice.
$3,000 stipend. Reflective Teaching Guides support RET participants by facilitating reflection and discussion while engaging in their own professional development. Guides meet twice per quarter and gain experience applying evidence-based teaching practices in a collaborative learning community.
$3,000 stipend. Graduate Teaching Fellows develop pedagogical expertise and leadership through this prestigious fellowship. Fellows work with a cohort of peers and mentors to develop or sustain initiatives that enhance learning and teaching in their home departments or programs.
Learn More and ApplyFeatured Guides & Resources
As generative AI (GAI) becomes increasingly integrated into learning and teaching in higher education, instructors are navigating complex questions around academic integrity and student learning. While many emerging policies emphasize detection and sanctions, the Searle Center has created a three-part series on pedagogy and GAI, which offers a proactive alternative by centering trust, transparency, reflection, and student agency.
See the Series
Classroom environments have felt the impacts of a world faced with crises. Worry and fear can influence how students show up in classrooms and their ability to focus on learning. This Learning & Teaching Guide offers ten strategies for instructors to support students during turbulent times while also being attentive to their own professional and personal well-being.
EXPLORE THE GUIDE
National expert on student engagement Jillian Kinzie discusses the connection between enhanced academic rigor and students' sense of belonging in her keynote address, "Transforming Institutional Cultures: Holistic Approaches to Student Success," presented for Northwestern University, January 2025. Video is available to Northwestern community members with University credentials.
WATCH THE VIDEONews
Upcoming Events
11:00 AM Deering Library, 1937 Sheridan Road
Join colleagues from across Northwestern at Teaching-Line Faculty Mini-Retreats, quarterly gatherings created in respons...
2:00 PM 627 Dartmouth Place
Mark your calendars!
Join us for the Searle Center Community Celebration, a joyful afternoon of connection, conversatio...
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