Summer Institute brings faculty learners together
The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence hosted its 2023 Summer Institute on the Lake Worth campus May 10-12.
Sponsored by PBSC’s Title V grant and the National Science Foundation STEM Articulation and Transfer Collaborative grant, this third annual event, and first in-person, provided a unique opportunity for PBSC faculty—adjuncts and full-time from a variety of disciplines—to come together with faculty coaches to take a deep dive into curriculum and assessment design with a focus on improving student retention, engagement and success.
The 42 participants convened at the Center for Bachelor’s Programs over three days and learned more about active learning strategies, incorporating financial literacy into the curriculum, and employing high-impact practices to support the success of Hispanic and low-income college students. Faculty coaches and guest speakers guided the collaborative workshops. Faculty received frequent feedback from each facilitator, discussed innovative pedagogical practices, and gained insights from their peers along the way. After completing the Institute, the participants are expected to apply and implement what they learned during the Fall 2023 and/or Spring 2024 semesters.
The Institute revealed a strong connection between the two grants. The Title V and NSF-SATC programs are both focused on supporting the academic, professional and personal success of PBSC’s Hispanic student population through multiple activities and initiatives collegewide. The Summer Institute served as the convergence point of efforts to further equip faculty with innovative high-impact teaching and learning practices to support the unique host of challenges inside an already diverse classroom that is experiencing an increasing Hispanic student presence across all disciplines. This grant partnership is built on the shared philosophy of utilizing resources effectively and efficiently to make a greater impact on the PBSC community through collaboration, coordination and community.
Both grants provided financial support to the Summer Institute in the form of faculty success coaches, faculty participant stipends, and catered lunches for all participants.
“I am so honored to be able to support this endeavor as part of the Title V grant at PBSC,” said Lisa M. Walther, Title V program grant director. “Being among such a dedicated group of faculty members who take the work of improving teaching and learning at PBSC to heart is really rewarding. I know this training experience will pay great dividends in helping us achieve the improved student success outcomes that align with the grant’s objectives.”
Brandon White, program grant coordinator for the STEM Articulation and Transfer Collaborative, concurs and hopes the Summer Institute can continue to grow and serve as a foundational staple of faculty development at PBSC.
“Within the four walls of our training space, there was a palpable energy of passion, creativity, and dedication to the development of culturally responsive pedagogy that was incredible to witness,” White said. “There was also a wonderous spirit of community among our faculty participants as they openly and respectfully developed and honed their craft collectively during this experience. The SATC grant team is proud to have played a role in making all this possible.”
The team organizing and leading the 2023 Summer Institute included Dr. Emmanuel Alvarado, Lisa Walther, Dr. Kalisha Waldon, Dr. Eliana Mukherjee, Professor Megan Tomei-Jameson, Dr. Lauren Chambers, Brandon White, Hope Matuella, and Jada Brooks.
The institute wraps up virtually on June 9.
Learn more about PBSC’s Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence here.
