20 Preparing the Next Generation of Faculty: The Graduate Teaching Certificate Program at Colorado State University

In this poster session, we will provide information on the Graduate Teaching Certificates program at Colorado State University. This program offers graduate students (and some post-docs) an opportunity to learn about, reflect on, and practice teaching at the post-secondary level. The program is flexible, allowing graduate students to focus on areas of teaching that most interest them and best meet their professional needs. Since it was established in 2007, the program has enrolled more than 350 students.

Participants in the program are offered a series of experiences that lead them to:

• Determine appropriate goals for student learning outcomes.

• Understand and work effectively with diverse student populations.

• Design courses, including selecting and sequencing course materials, and developing course assignments.

• Employ evaluative procedures which validly assess student learning.

• Use innovative pedagogical approaches, such as teaching with technology, optimizing available Learning Management Systems, practicing sustainable service-learning strategies, and so on.

• Reflect on and revise your pedagogical practices throughout your teaching career.

Recognizing the complexity of teaching, the Graduate Teaching Certificate program allows participants to participate in a combination of experiences, such as courses on pedagogical theory and practice; workshops on specific pedagogical issues; experiential learning through internships, teaching and tutoring; course design; among other professional development activities.