Our array of flexible programming is designed to fit every schedule, allowing graduate students and postdocs to feel confident in the classroom and on the job market while making timely progress toward their degrees.
Guided development programs designed to ensure that graduate students and postdocs—from any discipline, who aspire to improve student learning—are well-prepared for their teaching roles.
This annual event prepares graduate students and postdocs for their first day teaching and TAing at Northwestern. Gain confidence in the classroom through interactive, evidence-based sessions on topics such as student engagement, constructive feedback, and interpersonal dynamics, and network and connect with campus resources.
Our cohort-based certificate program offers in-depth professional development for graduate students and postdocs aspiring to improve learning and teaching in their disciplines. Over three quarters, participants engage in flexible seminars, peer feedback, and mentorship, deepening their teaching practices and preparing to confidently enter the job market.
I feel much more equipped to design classes in the future.”
Programs and resources to catalyze pedagogical innovations and infuse learner-centered teaching practices that foster resilience, sense of belonging, and holistic student success for all students.
Evidence-driven reading circle focusing on students’ experiences, development, and perceptions of commonly used learning practices and the classroom environment. Recommended for those pursuing the CIRTL Certificate.
Quarterly scholarly exchange showcasing leading-edge research that informs teaching and learning strategies. Recommended for those pursuing the CIRTL Certificate.
The Searle Center offers three levels of CIRTL certificates to recognize achievement of learning outcomes. We host programs and events throughout the year that count toward and enrich the certification process.
Advanced program designed to improve learning and teaching. Participants complete a scholarly project centered on the creation of a Learning & Teaching Guide with mentorship from a Searle Center educational.
I have seen a shift in attitudes around the [U.S.] toward balanced excellence in the laboratory and the classroom.”
Develop and facilitate sessions at our Academic Kickoff. Session Leaders attend interactive summer training sessions, working with peers to create, reflect on, and revise their sessions on teaching and learning.
Successful alumni of Reflective and Effective Teaching (RET) guide small groups of current RET participants in disciplinarily-aligned discussions and provide formative, iterative feedback on participant work. They also engage in professional development activities throughout the year.
Get trained to lead Small Group Analyses, Teaching Observations, and End-of-Term Focus Groups. FFPs provide evidence-based, formative feedback on teaching, participating in a learning community throughout the year to deepen their skills in providing written and verbal feedback.
Year-long program for advanced graduate students promoting the culture of learning and teaching at Northwestern. GTFs join an interdisciplinary learning community, work closely with a self-selected faculty mentor, create and facilitate workshops, develop or sustain initiatives in their home department/program to enrich graduate student learning and teaching, and create an ePortfolio to showcase their evolving teaching practice.
My experience as a Fellow prepared me for the job market by strengthening my teaching portfolio and made me a competitive candidate as I was able to demonstrate evidence of my teaching and values.”