Vision
We aspire to cultivate a relationship-rich teaching and learning culture where every member of the campus community is empowered to reach their full potential. We envision a future where teaching excellence and student success are achieved through continuous reflection, creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
Mission
To realize this vision, we partner with faculty, graduate students, staff, and undergraduate students to promote teaching that leads to meaningful learning and improved student retention. Our partnerships promote engaging, student-responsive learning environments that support persistence, growth, and success. Through scholarly approaches to teaching, we aim to strengthen UMSL’s role as a leading institution in student learning and community impact by showcasing the collective strength of teaching innovation efforts on our campus. As a division of the Office of Academic Affairs, we advance our mission through four key areas of impact:
Empowering students as active participants in teaching and learning.
We engage students in the instructional process through peer-led learning initiatives, faculty-student partnerships, and professional development opportunities.
Elevating faculty excellence and engagement.
We collaborate with educators across career stages through interdisciplinary peer-based initiatives, reflective teaching practices, and longitudinal professional development programs that promote active learning, engagement, and continuous improvement across all teaching modalities and learning environments.
Partnering with academic leaders to refine and achieve department goals.
We support program-level assessment, student feedback collection, quality course review, and curricular design work that supports student retention efforts, fine-tuning our programs to align with their priorities and structure. At the College level, we help department chairs plan strategically for accreditation, scaling efforts, fostering collective impact and excellence in teaching across departments.
Aligning with UMSL’s strategic priorities.
We prioritize student and faculty retention, teaching excellence, and accreditation compliance—while supporting the University’s role as an anchor institution committed to serving the broader community through innovative and relationship-driven teaching practices.
Our Services
Programs, forums, and virtual and in-person conferences are planned each academic year to orient full-time and part-time faculty and teaching assistants to the campus community. These programs are sponsored by the Center for Teaching in Learning in collaboration with the Offices of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, the Library, and Information Technology Services (ITS).
A goal of the CTL is to be the office contacted when faculty seek guidance in their instructional work. Consultations are available to interested faculty and graduate students regarding teaching enhancements, mid-semester and end-of-course feedback, and instructional design supports for traditional, blended, and online courses.
Contact the Center for Teaching and Learning
Need academic technology support (Canvas, Honorlock, Panopto, Ally, etc.)? Contact UM Academic Technology
Please submit this contact form, and a staff member will reach out as soon as possible!