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One WKU Inclusive Teaching Academy (ITA)

Purpose

The Inclusive Teaching Academy (ITA) has been created to fulfill four interrelated functions:

  1. To introduce and/or deepen participants' knowledge of inclusive and culturally responsive teaching.
  2. To create opportunities for participants to apply evidence-based DEI principles to course design and pedagogy. 
  3. To offer a collegial space for participants to reflect on their current and proposed teaching practices. 
  4. To grow the community of practitioners focused on inclusivity.

The ITA is designed to develop advocates rather than experts. The Institute and its architects (the Community of Practice Fellows) do not assume the role of authority on DEI issues and do not seek to train participants to become experts. Rather, the goal is to cultivate a mindset of continuous growth through praxis and reflection as a way to foster DEI advocacy at WKU.

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Objectives

Through participation in the ITA, participants will be able to more effectively:           

  • Support an inclusive learning environment. 
  • Intentionally approach difficult interactions. 
  • Promote the academic success of diverse students.
  

                                                    

Inclusive Teaching Academy  

Structure

These modules address issues related to both course design and teaching practice. Each module is broken up into weekly sessions that will allow for an overview, discussion, application, and reflection of each topic.

Synchronous, Face-to-Face Spring Cohort (Spring 2025)

  • Module 1: Personal Foundations
  • Module 2: Integrating Foundations of Inclusivity into Teaching
  • Module 3: Course and Classroom Climate
  • Module 4: Engaging All Students in the Learning Process

Asynchronous, Summer Cohort (June 2025)

  • Module 1: Personal Foundations
  • Module 2: Integrating Foundations of Inclusivity into Teaching
  • Module 3: Course and Classroom Climate
  • Module 4: Engaging All Students in the Learning Process

Benefits

  • Participants become members of a community of peers with shared interests in inclusive and culturally responsive teaching.
  • The community provides an inclusive space where participants share experiences, ideas, and strategies about teaching, experiment with evidence-based practices, build skills, engage in research, and reflect on their roles as educators.
  • Upon successful completion, participants will receive a digital badge.

Who Should Apply

ITA is open to all full-time faculty. 

ITA participants are committing to:

  • Attending all group sessions listed below:
    • January 30 from 2:30-4:00pm
    • February 27th from 2:30-4:00pm
    • March 13th from 2:30-4:00pm
  • Submitting all work associated with the ITA.
  • Implementing changes to their courses based on ITA modules.
  • Serving as an advocate for inclusive and culturally responsive teaching.

Application Process

Applications to the Spring 2025 Inclusive Teaching Academy cohort will open Wednesday, October 9, 2024. They are due by 5:00pm on Friday, November 15, 2024. Applications for the Summer 2025 cohort will open on Wednesday, March 26th and will be due by 5:00 pm on Friday, May 9, 2025. A finalized application consists of a completed form by the applicant which includes approval from the department chair with the acknowledgement of the required time commitment of the applicant.

Please do not submit your application after the due date. The selection committee will meet quickly after the application due date, and late applications will not be considered or reviewed by the selection committee. 

To review all the questions on the application, see here.

Apply Now

Contact

For questions about the institute or the application process, please contact CITL Associate Director Cierra Waller.



 

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 Last Modified 10/2/24