We offer a variety of programs that support members of the Northwestern community develop their teaching skills and enhance student learning. Our programs range from yearlong learning communities and multi-week intensives to hour-long lectures and discussions.
Search below to find the program that fits your needs best. Narrow the results by identifying your role at the university and/or focus area of interest.
Visit our calendar of events to see what is coming up.
Academic KickoffThe Academic Kickoff features interactive sessions designed to facilitate graduate student and postdoc transitions to teaching roles at Northwestern University. Postdoctoral Trainees, Graduate Students Focus Area:Iterative process of aligning course objectives, assessments, teaching methods, and materials to support student learning and reach course outcomes. Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. |
CIRTL Certificate ProgramCIRTL at Northwestern efforts support future faculty. Participation in STEM-based programming offered through the Searle Center and the CIRTL Online Network is eligible for and recognized by a CIRTL Certificate. Postdoctoral Trainees, Faculty, Graduate Students Focus Area:Instructors conduct research on their teaching to deepen understanding of student learning. Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. |
Course Design InstituteAn 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. Postdoctoral Trainees, Graduate Students, Faculty Focus Area:Iterative process of aligning course objectives, assessments, teaching methods, and materials to support student learning and reach course outcomes. Eleven practices empirically demonstrated to increase engagement, learning, and persistence. |
Course Design Institute: Generative AI EditionJust 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. Graduate Students, Postdoctoral Trainees, Faculty Focus Area:Iterative process of aligning course objectives, assessments, teaching methods, and materials to support student learning and reach course outcomes. Eleven practices empirically demonstrated to increase engagement, learning, and persistence. |
Formative Feedback Partners (FFP)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. Postdoctoral Trainees, Graduate Students, Faculty Focus Area:Iterative process of aligning course objectives, assessments, teaching methods, and materials to support student learning and reach course outcomes. Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. |
Graduate Teaching FellowsGraduate Teaching Fellows further their pedagogical development by developing or sustaining an initiative in their department around learning & teaching. Graduate Students Focus Area:Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. |
Kickoff Session LeadersKickoff 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. Graduate Students, Postdoctoral Trainees Focus Area:Aligning with our students and educators who experience inequities and collectively challenging oppressive systems. |
Pedagogical Innovations in STEMPedagogical Innovations in STEM is a scholarly exchange offered each quarter, showcasing leading-edge research that informs teaching and learning strategies. Recommended for those pursuing the CIRTL Certificate. Faculty, Graduate Students, Postdoctoral Trainees Focus Area:Instructors conduct research on their teaching to deepen understanding of student learning. Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. |
Reflective and Effective Teaching (RET)Reflective & Effective Teaching (RET) is a certificate program that offers a unique cohort-based learning community for graduate students and postdocs from any discipline who aspire to improve student learning.
Participants, known as RET teacher-scholars, who complete three quarters of the RET program receive a Certificate of Completion, a Completion Letter, and, if eligible, a TGS transcript notation. Teacher-scholars engage in seminars and special-topic workshops and complete artifacts that align with their goals and stage of teaching. Graduate Students, Postdoctoral Trainees Focus Area:Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. Iterative process of aligning course objectives, assessments, teaching methods, and materials to support student learning and reach course outcomes. Eleven practices empirically demonstrated to increase engagement, learning, and persistence. |
Reflective Teaching Guides (RTG)Reflective Teaching Guides further their pedagogical development by mentoring their peers in Reflective and Effective Teaching (RET). Graduate Students, Postdoctoral Trainees Focus Area:Evidence-informed approaches to teaching that center learners’ lived experiences and social identities. Iterative process of aligning course objectives, assessments, teaching methods, and materials to support student learning and reach course outcomes. Eleven practices empirically demonstrated to increase engagement, learning, and persistence. |