Joel Vanner
BOBCATS participants will be assigned to a teaching circle within that program, so please wait to learn whether or not that application was accepted before you sign up here.
What is a Teaching Circle?
Teaching Circles (or triangles, squares, etc.) are small communities of 3-4 teachers that observe one another's courses over the course of a year to learn new teaching strategies, discuss pedagogical tools and techniques, and provide support to one another in their classrooms. These groups help eliminate pedagogical solitude. Teaching circles are an excellent opportunity for those who might be nervous about more formal observations associated with RPT to get more comfortable being observed, for those who feel stuck in a rut with your courses and are curious about new techniques, for those who are interested in getting a better sense of what students experience outside of your own discipline, and for those seeking more community around teaching across the institution.
How will it work?
You will be assigned to a group with faculty outside of your discipline so that you'll be exposed to methodologies and expertise different from your own. Early in the 2025-2026 academic year, you'll receive an email connecting you with your group along with resources that will guide your experience and support your approach to observing colleagues over the year. From there, it's up to each group to determine the scheduling of observations and the mechanisms for communications - you have a lot of freedom and flexibility in making these experiences meaningful in your own small group! These conversations are intended to be formative, supportive, and casual - an opportunity to learn and grow from one another, rather than to provide critical feedback (unless it's specifically requested). QILT will provide periodic opportunities for all teaching circle participants to gather and connect during the year, as well.
All full—and part-time faculty are eligible to participate, including faculty who teach primarily online. Please ensure you can commit time to meeting with a group and observing one another's classes before signing up.
Questions?
Email Sara Rzeszutek: sara.rzeszutek@quinnipiac.edu
Interested?
The sign-up form will be available until September 5, 2025.