Certificate in University Teaching (CUT)

Graduate students may now enroll for CUT - the graduate Certificate in University Teaching - which offers the option of a formal course or workshops, conferences for professional development, feedback on teaching, and a variety of seminars. Download our booklet describing the program and contacts. Watch this page for details of specific events related to the program.

CUT Brochure

HOW DO YOU PARTICIPATE?

Attend the two-day Graduate Student Professional Development Conference in August

AND
Take a combination of graduate courses for credit and workshops (see below) for each unit

OR
Take the workshops (see below).
Choose 2 out of 3 from Units 1, 2, and 3; 1 and 2 meet on alternate Fridays from 10 AM-12 noon
Units 4 and 5 are both required; Unit 4 is arranged; Unit 5 meets once a month from 1-3 PM

*Note: For any graduate seminars, you must enroll for these courses as you would any other course (via MyView). Tuition rates apply and you will earn credit hours toward degree completion. The workshops, however, require a separate registration via the links below.

Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 Schedule
(Subject to change as our planning for the 2012-2013 year continues)

CUT Unit 1: Teaching for Learning in the University

FALL 2012 -- Graduate Courses:
(Consult the Course Schedule to learn when each is offered)

Teaching for Learning in the University (EdPsy 7647) - offered each Fall semester on Mondays, 5:30 - 8:10 PM, beginning on August 27, 2012

Registered students attend the two day Graduate Student Professional Development Conference on August 13 & 14. Contact Dr. Peggy Cohen to arrange an option for this requirement.

This seminar examines current research in learning, instruction, motivation, and assessment as it pertains to teaching and learning in complex post-secondary settings. Graduate students will discover the current research on teaching and learning in their disciplines, use it to promote active and meaningful learning, and learn how to develop undergraduates' critical thinking skills. Throughout the semester, students will compile a Teaching Resources Portfolio. (3 credit hours; counts as Unit 1)

SPRING 2013 -- Workshop Option: Teaching for Learning in the University
Attend 7 (out of 8) two-hour workshops on alternate Friday mornings from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM in SSB 449.

Applying theories of learning and motivation

Designing and assessing assignments

Developing a Teaching Resources Portfolio

Integrating civic engagement

Observing the strategies of outstanding professors

Becoming an effective lecturer

Practicing learner-centered instruction

Revising your teaching portfolio

Workshop dates/times coming soon.

CUT Unit 2: Preparing for University Teaching

SPRING 2013 -- Graduate Courses:

Scholarship Of Teaching and Learning (Eng 5950)
This course will examine the parallels between reading and writing processes in order to ascertain how to design literacy programs which develop both skills. The context will be set with an examination of language acquisition, then theory underlying these processes will be discussed. This work will be followed by practical applications. The last half of the semester will address related issues--gender, race, service learning, and program development. Course requirements include weekly response journals, an oral report, a midterm proposal, and a final project. (3 credit hours).

FALL 2012 -- Workshop Option: Preparing for University Teaching - Registration

For this unit, offered in Fall semesters, CUT participants attend seven (out of eight) two-hour workshops. Choose from the following topics:

August 24: Planning a course, Designing a syllabus
9:45 AM - 12:00 PM, SSB 449

September 7: Grading
9:45 AM - 12:00 PM, SSB 449

September 21: Writing-across-the-curriculum
9:45 AM - 12:00 PM, SSB 449

October 5: Engaging Students in Learning
9:45 AM - 12:00 PM, SSB 449

October 19: Civic Engagement
9:45 AM - 12:00 PM, SSB 449

November 2: Writing in Grad School
9:45 AM - 12:00 PM, SSB 449

November 16: Observing Outstanding TAs
9:45 AM - 12:00 PM, SSB 449

December 7: Starting your Teaching Portfolio
9:45 AM - 12:00 PM, SSB 449

CUT Unit 3: Teaching with Technology

Graduate Seminar Option: (Check Semester in Course Schedule)

EdTech 5301
Introduction To Computers & The Internet In Education
The course focuses on how computers and the internet have changed teaching and learning; how teachers can facilitate learning in inquiry-based' technology-rich classrooms; and on the design and implementation of technology-rich activities and projects. Introduces students to the networked computer as an instructional tool. Course participants will be introduced to how teachers and their students can use computer tools in appropriate ways for different contect areas and educational levels. Practices to be explored include making presentations; searching for information and educational resources; organizing writing, and displaying information and data.

OR

Teaching Writing Online (Eng 5850, G01)
(Spring semesters only)

The number of courses and degree programs going online is increasing exponentially each year, and so are the opportunities for adjunct teaching jobs around the world. In this course, we will explore the theories, contexts, and methods of teaching writing courses in today's online environments. Readings and short papers will introduce you to the social, political, economic, psychological, and pedagogical aspects of online teaching and learning experiences that matter most, and critical studies of online course models and the various technologies that can be used within them will help you learn how these aspects can be enacted to benefit student success best.

Workshop Option: (Continuing all year)

Attend the following: Registration

Graduate Student Professional Development Conference and maintain a conference response log (August)

Conference on Teaching with Technology and maintain a conference response log (November)

UMSL Online Teaching Certification: Teaching & Developing an Online Course - Design, Development & Instruction (March and April)

CUT Unit 4, Fall 2012: Teaching Practicum

Graduate Seminar Option: Writing-Reading Theory (Eng 5860)
This course will examine the parallels between reading and writing processes in order to ascertain how to design literacy programs which develop both skills. The context will be set with an examination of language acquisition, then theory underlying these processes will be discussed. This work will be followed by practical applications. The last half of the semester will address related issues--gender, race, service learning, and program development. Course requirements include weekly response journals, an oral report, a midterm proposal, and a final project. (3 credit hours).

Workshop Option: Registration
This practicum is offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters and is arranged to fit your teaching schedule. Its purpose is to provide feedback on how you apply the teaching strategies learned in CUT, to help you meet the needs of all learners, and to provide the opportunity to reflect on your teaching. Ideally, the practicum should be taken after taking a semester of workshops. This experience may include teaching a three-hour, one semester university or community college course, running a laboratory, tutoring, teaching a continuing education course, or fulfilling other relevant responsibilities.

CUT Unit 5, Spring 2012: Professional Development

This unit is designed to prepare graduate students for the job market and career requirements.

Complete A and two of the three other options (B, C, D).

To get ready for the job market, complete three two-hour workshops from the list below: Registration

~~September 7: Developing your Letter of Application and Academic CV~~
CANCELED

October 5: Preparing and Presenting your Job Talk
12:45 PM - 3:00 PM, SSB 449

November 2: Developing your Letter of Application and Academic CV
12:45 PM - 3:00 PM, SSB 449

December 7: Negotiating your Salary
12:45 PM - 3:00 PM, SSB 449
_____________________________________

Spring 2013: Writing Grants
TBD

B. To prepare for campus visits, attend the etiquette banquet. Date and time -- to be announced.

C. To add to your skills, attend a colloquium or seminar offered by the CTL. Write a one-page summary describing the program and reflecting on what you learned; submit with your teaching portfolio.

D. To determine the type of campus where you want to work, participate in mentoring (we will help you arrange this visit). For at least one day, shadow a mentor in your discipline on a campus in the St. Louis area or the UM system. In your teaching portfolio, include a reflective, 2-3 page paper describing your experiences and how they did or did not meet your expectations. Shadowing includes attending classes and committee meetings to gain an understanding of differing environments and expectations at public and private, graduate and undergraduate, research and non-research, two-year and four-year colleges and universities.

Center for Teaching and Learning