Looking for ways to engage with fellow educators around teaching this fall? Then consider being a part of one of the many cohort-based programs offered by the Center for Teaching and Learning! Scroll down to read the program descriptions and access the registration/application links.
Adjunct Faculty Book Circle: James Lang’s Small Teaching
Program Description
Adjunct faculty will read and explore the book “Small Teaching“ by James Lang. In the book, Lang presents a strategy for improving student learning with a series of modest but powerful changes that make a big difference, many of which can be put into practice in a single class period. The group meets monthly (hybrid) to discuss key ideas from the text and share practical ways to apply the strategies in their own teaching.
This program is ideal for instructors who:
- are adjunct faculty
- would like to engage with fellow adjunct faculty in discussions around teaching best practices
- are available to meet a few times during the semester
Program Details:
Date/Time: Thursdays from 11am -12pm
September 10, October 8, November 5, and December 10
In person (Center for Teaching and Learning, ILC 315) or via Zoom
Complete the registration form by August 28, 2026. Spots are limited!
AI Book Circle: John Warner’s More Than Words
Program Description:
Explore and reflect on your own teaching practices in an interactive book circle this fall focused on John Warner’s More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI. Warner argues that AI doesn’t just change how students write; rather, AI forces instructors to reconsider why we ask them to write in the first place. Over the course of these book circle sessions, we will move beyond the “AI-proofing” mindset to explore how we can design writing experiences that are intrinsically rewarding, intellectually rigorous, and authentically human. Rather than simply discussing the text, this circle is designed as a collaborative space to workshop approaches to AI in the classroom. All faculty of any rank are eligible to apply. All participants will receive a copy of the book. Space is limited.
This program is ideal for instructors who:
- teach in any discipline where students communicate ideas in writing, from lab reports and code documentation to reflective essays and case studies
- want to bridge the gap between a student’s “final product” and the critical thinking process required to get there
- can commit to regular meetings in the fall semester
Program Details:
Register here by September 21st
Dates/Times: Tuesdays from 2pm – 3:30pm
September 22nd, October 6th, October 20th, November 10th, December 1st
In person (Center for Teaching and Learning, ILC 315)
Certificate Launch: Evidence Based Teaching
Program Description:
During this Certificate Launch program, participants will be introduced to the requirements for the CTL’s Evidence-Based Teaching Certificate. Over the course of monthly sessions, participants will reflect on their current practices and explore what evidence they can use to document their teaching. Participants will have opportunities to start collecting evidence and developing their teaching narratives, and will finish the semester with a plan for making progress toward completion of the certificate.
This program is ideal for instructors who:
- are interested in working towards the CTL’s Evidence-Based Teaching Certificate, or those who have previously signed up and are looking for more information about how to get started
- would like to engage in community around evidence-based teaching practices
- are available to meet a few times during the semester
Program Details:
Register here by September 4
Dates/Time: Wednesdays from 12-1 PM
September 9, October 7, November 4, December 9
In person (Center for Teaching and Learning, ILC 315) or via Zoom
Certificate Launch: Reflective Teaching
Program Description:
During this Certificate Launch program, participants will be introduced to the requirements for the Reflective Teaching Practice Certificate and learn how it fits with Boise State’s commitment to effective teaching. Participants will have opportunities to reflect on their teaching practice with colleagues (via the certificate’s introductory materials) and will leave with a plan for completing four reflective teaching activities.
This program is ideal for instructors who:
- are interested in working towards the Reflective Teaching Practice Certificate
- would like to engage in community around reflective teaching practices
- are available to meet a few times during the semester
Program Details:
Register here by August 31
Dates/Time: Wednesdays from 12-1 PM
September 2 & 30, October 28, December 2
In person (Center for Teaching and Learning, ILC 315) or via Zoom
COID 516: Explorations in Pedagogy
Program Description:
COID 516 is a 1-credit course open to graduate students in all disciplines. The course explores a variety of topics in college teaching. Students have the opportunity to complete teaching observations and follow up meetings with faculty members teaching with a variety of pedagogical approaches. Students also complete a project of their choosing, taking a deeper dive into course-related topics. Throughout the semester, students reflect on what they’ve learned and plan for how to use these ideas in their future teaching.
This program is ideal for instructors who:
- are graduate students
- want to learn more about teaching effectively at the college level
Program Details:
Students can register through their Student Center
1 credit course
Meets once a week for 1 hour
First Year Focus Community of Practice
Program Description:
This program is part of the University’s commitment to supporting students in their first year — and the instructors who teach them. The First Year Focus CoP will provide participants with a space to share best practices and gain insights about the first-year experience at Boise State.
This program is ideal for instructors who:
- teach 100-level classes
- are interested in sharing strategies with and learning from other instructors of first-year students
- want to explore the First Year Focus Goals
- are available to meet a few times during the semester
Program Details:
Register here by September 9th
Date/Time: Wednesdays 10:00 – 11:30 AM Hybrid (Center for Teaching and Learning, ILC 205 and Zoom)
Sept 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct.7
Date/Time: Fridays 9:30 – 11:00 AM Zoom only
Sept 11, 18, 25, Oct 2, 9
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Community of Practice
Program Description:
This CoP provides a supportive, structured environment for instructors with some experience with the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) to advance their research. By introducing research productivity best practices, participants can set goals, track their progress, and maintain accountability. Faculty can join as often as they like every semester.
This program is ideal for instructors who:
- would like community to support for their SoTL research
- would benefit from structured writing and/or research time
Program Details:
Dates/Time: Thursdays 12:00 – 1:30
September 10, October 8 & 22, November 5, December 10
In person (Center for Teaching and Learning, ILC 315) or via Zoom
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Faculty Learning Community
Program Description:
The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) FLC guides participants step-by-step through the process of designing and conducting a SoTL study. In the fall semester, participants will work through the steps of SoTL research, including refining project ideas and preparing IRB applications, while developing a community of SoTL scholars. In the spring semester the focus shifts to participants applying their intervention, collecting their research data, beginning to analyze the data, and reflecting on the process.
This program is ideal for instructors who:
- have a general idea for SoTL inquiry and are seeking structured guidance, professional development, and a supportive community of peers
- can commit 15+ hours of time to this work over the course of each semester
No previous SoTL experience is required.
Program Details:
Dates/Time: Thursdays 12:00 – 1:30pm
Fall 2026: September 3 & 17, October 1, 15 & 29, November 12, December 3
Spring 2027 (preliminary): January 21, February 4 & 18, March 4 & 25, April 8 & 22, May 6.
In person (Center for Teaching and Learning, ILC 315)
Upon successful completion of the FLC, participants will receive a $700 stipend
Peer Observation Program
Program Description:
The Peer Observation Program is a faculty development opportunity to foster collaborative learning, reflective teaching practices, and personal growth in a supportive environment. In groups of three, instructors observe each other’s classes, participate in group discussions, and reflect on their experiences. The CTL will match you with two instructors for peer observations and reflective discussions in a non-evaluative setting.
This program is ideal for instructors who:
- are curious about how peers facilitate their courses
- want to exchange best practices and effective teaching strategies
- feel comfortable observing a peer in a supportive and non-evaluative role
Program Details:
- Participants attend one training meeting, observe a class session (at any point during the semester), and reflect on what they learned during an end-of-program gathering.
- To sign up for the program, register by September 11.
Want to learn more before registering? Sign up for the informal hybrid session on September 11 at 10:00 am.