Programs

The Academic Kickoff features interactive sessions designed to facilitate graduate student and postdoc transitions to teaching roles at Northwestern University. 

A three-tiered certificate program for graduate students and postdocs.

An annual immersive three-day course design institute centered on developing a new Canvas-ready syllabus for the upcoming academic year, driven by evidence-based practices, iterative discussion, and reflective learning communities.

Just like the annual Summer Course Design Institute, the Generative AI Edition will guide instructors step-by-step in developing a course where they can have confidence that all enrolled students will have the opportunity to achieve the learning outcomes—no matter how rigorous or ambitious.

Formative Feedback Partners are graduate students and postdocs trained in leading Small Group Analyses, conducting Teaching Observations and Midquarter Feedback Surveys, and facilitating End-of-Term Focus Groups to provide evidence-based, formative feedback on teaching. Throughout the academic year, Formative Feedback Partners participate in a learning community in which they engage in discussions and activities to deepen their skills in providing written and verbal formative feedback.

Efficient and engaging virtual presentations on strengths-based, evidence-driven strategies to enhance learning and support well-being for all students.

Graduate Teaching Fellows further their pedagogical development by developing or sustaining an initiative in their department around learning & teaching. 

Kickoff Session Leaders are a dedicated group of graduate students who help introduce incoming TAs, graduate student instructors, and postdoc instructors to learning and teaching at Northwestern University during the Academic Kickoff.

Pedagogical Innovations in STEM is a scholarly exchange. Recommended for those pursuing the CIRTL Certificate.

A certificate program offering a unique cohort-based learning community for graduate students and postdocs from any discipline who aspire to improve student learning.

Reflective Teaching Guides further their pedagogical development by mentoring their peers in Reflective and Effective Teaching (RET).

Launching Learning & Teaching Leaders Since 1999, the Searle Fellows Program has been a university-wide initiative for early career research- and teaching-line faculty with the mission to cultivate a community of learning & teaching leaders at Northwestern who exemplify excellence and benefit from a shared year-long experience of pedagogical experimentation, critical reflection, and joyful celebration. Applications for the next academic year are due June 15th.

Student Experiences in STEM is an evidence-driven reading circle focusing on students’ experiences, development, and their perceptions of commonly used learning practices and the classroom environment. Recommended for those pursuing the CIRTL Certificate. 

Advancing the University Priority of building resilient students and a sense of belonging. Each year, the University Practicum hosts a practical, flexible, and supportive online practicum on a timely topic of learning and teaching. This year, the topic was determined by a survey of Northwestern instructors, who expressed their commitment to promoting academic rigor and learning enriched by empathy and care. Working alongside educational developers and faculty experts, participants will (re)define students' holistic success and advance their techniques for creating, facilitating, and assessing student success. Designed to complement participants' busy schedules, this practicum offers a flexible choice of synchronous online and recorded sessions, learning labs, individuals consultations, and a faculty panel.

A cozy, half-day retreat for graduate students and postdocs to connect with peers and develop their teaching practices.