Sharpen your teaching skills and enhance your effectiveness in the classroom through this six-part workshop series designed specifically for postdoctoral scholars. Delivered by expert instructors from UNC’s Center for Faculty Excellence (CFE), each module offers practical, evidence-based strategies addressing core aspects of teaching, including course design, communicating expectations, facilitating discussion, grading efficiently, integrating generative AI responsibly, and reflecting on your teaching philosophy. Participants will develop techniques they can immediately apply to current or future teaching roles, building confidence and instructional effectiveness.

Sessions are held on the last Wednesday of each month from January through May. The first session is offered in person, with all remaining sessions delivered virtually to support accessibility and flexibility. Registration is required for each module individually. Postdoctoral scholars who attend four of the five core modules will be eligible to receive a Teaching Certificate awarded by the Center for Faculty Excellence and may participate in a bonus sixth module in June focused on writing teaching statements.

Module 1| Backward Design: Designing Meaningful Learning Experiences

Date: Wednesday 28th January, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Location: Marsico 2004

Registration: https://apps2.research.unc.edu/events/index.cfm?event=events.go&key=CC2B

Start with the end in mind: backward design is an instructional approach that centers student learning and promotes alignment of the learning activities, assessments, and outcomes. Learn how to implement this powerful framework as you create new courses or revise existing syllabi.

Module 2 | Transparent Assignment Design: Communicating Expectations with Students

Date: Wednesday, 25th February, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Location: Virtual

Registration: https://apps2.research.unc.edu/events/index.cfm?event=events.go&key=CC2D

Clarity in purpose, task, and criteria promotes student success in assessments. The TiLT framework is a guide for writing assignment descriptions that communicate clearly to students and helps you align with your teaching goals.

Module 3 |Teaching and GenAI: Prioritizing Learning

Date: Wednesday 25th March, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Location: Virtual

Registration: https://apps2.research.unc.edu/events/index.cfm?event=events.go&key=CC2E

GenAI presents new opportunities and challenges in the classroom. This workshop will cover strategies to generate meaningful learning with or without the aid of AI tools

Module 4 |Facilitating Classroom Discussion: Engaging Your Students through Conversations

Date: Wednesday 29th April, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Location: Virtual

Registration: https://apps2.research.unc.edu/events/index.cfm?event=events.go&key=CC2F

Discussion can be a powerful pedagogical tool if wielded effectively. This workshop will cover best practices and strategies for a productive in-class conversation.

Module 5 |Grading and Assessing Student Work: Ensuring Fair, Efficient Processes

Date: Wednesday 27th May, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Location: Virtual

Registration: https://apps2.research.unc.edu/events/index.cfm?event=events.go&key=CC30

Grading student work can be time-consuming, but there are ways to make it both more efficient and equitable. Learn how to give effective feedback, use rubrics, and streamline your processes.

Bonus Module |Teaching Philosophy Statements: Reflecting on Your Teaching

Date: Wednesday 24th June, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Location: Virtual

Registration: https://apps2.research.unc.edu/events/index.cfm?event=events.go&key=CC31

How do you productively reflect on and communicate your values as an instructor? This workshop will cover the challenging task of writing an effective Teaching Philosophy Statement.