At the Searle Center, we understand that being in community with our colleagues and reminding ourselves of our purpose as educators are important to staving off academic burnout and isolation. We aim to safeguard hope and well-being and create powerful moments of insight, joy, and transformation. Our programming serves as opportunities for Northwestern instructors, across disciplines and career stages, to have thoughtful, restorative exchanges with their colleagues.
We look forward to partnering with centers and departments to develop gatherings and meaningful relationships that empower instructors to support each other within and outside of the classroom. We aspire to weave this spirit of care into our collegial interactions and learning communities.
Our programs are open to all and offer the Northwestern community a variety of ways to develop teaching skills, enhance student learning, and find community. The following programs will spark your curiosity about community and vitality.
Each winter, we offer a cozy, half-day retreat for graduate students and postdocs with teaching experience to explore and develop their teaching practices. Focused around a special topic, the Winter Retreat features an interactive keynote address, related workshops to implement evidence-driven teaching techniques in the classroom, and an opportunity to connect with peers over our popular hot chocolate bar.
Design meaningful transitions for faculty new to Northwestern, followed by ongoing outreach to build community among the cohort and lay the foundation for career-spanning engagement with the Searle Center
Heighten the visibility of teaching-line faculty, host events to fortify their purpose and sense of community, and advocate for conditions that enable teaching-line faculty to flourish and feel seen, respected, and valued. More information coming soon.
Cultivate a relationship-rich environment where instructors can connect and learn with others who share similar interests, roles, or lived experiences, empowering them to work towards a sustainable commitment to learning and teaching across the span of their careers. More information coming soon.
Guides created by or in collaboration with the Searle Center to help educators and learners find community and vitality.
A curated list of recommended books related to community and vitality available at the Menges Library, located in the Searle Center.
Our current recommendations for both foundational and cutting-edge content related to community and vitality.
Below are all of our upcoming events related to community and vitality.
Reach out to us at teach@northwestern.edu.