Searle Center

Transformative teaching as a catalyst for lifelong learning.

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.

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Featured Programs

University Practicum: The Science of How Students Learn

Now through April 30

Explore innovative, evidence-based strategies grounded in core learning principles, not only to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, but to shape its future. This year's flexible, online University Practicum focuses on the science of how students learn, enhancing effective teaching strategies grounded in leading-edge research.

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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.

Learn More and Register

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.

Learn More and Apply

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, a certificate program

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.

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Reflective Teaching Guides, professional development

$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.

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$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.

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Featured Guides & Resources

Enhancing Learning in the Age of Generative AI

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 VIDEO

News

Join us for an interactive, discussion-based teaching workshop to reflect on how boundaries take shape across Humanities...

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