Certificate in University Teaching & Learning

Requirements for Tier 1: Basic

• Complete the fully-online TA Orientation requirements.
• Attendance at a minimum of six “Fundamentals” workshops and reflection papers applying the material covered in the workshops to the student’s own teaching
  • Required workshop topics: Syllabus and Course Design, Assessing Student Learning, and Culturally-Responsive Teaching. The other three workshop topics are electives
• Teaching observations and reflection: the student’s teaching must be observed for comment and reaction at least once. Guest lectures, lab sessions, and “micro-teaching” sessions are eligible for observations if the TA is not an instructor of record. The observation will be preceded by a consultation with CAT staff, and followed by a debriefing and analysis.
• Observation of teaching, by the TA, of the teaching of at least two faculty members. At least one must be from the student’s own discipline, but the second may be from another field. The student will write an analysis and reflection on the effectiveness of particular choices and strategies.
• A draft of a Statement of Teaching Philosophy, to be revised with feedback from CAT staff.

After successful completion of Tier 1, you are eligible for Tier 2.  

Requirements for Tier 2: Advanced

• Teaching experience for a minimum of two semesters at FIU
• An additional observation of the student's teaching
• Collection of informal mid-semester and formal end-of-semester feedback from the TA’s students, proceeded with an analysis and consultation
• Participation in a book group and reflection paper applying teaching strategies discussed to the student’s own teaching
• Teaching Portfolio - The teaching portfolio would include:
  1. Statement of Teaching Philosophy
  2. Teaching Experience
  3. Feedback on Teaching: Mid-semester and end-of-semester summary of results
  4. Samples of lessons, tests and/or feedback to students
  5. Student Assessment and Evaluation Results
  6. Syllabus and Course Design: Sample of original syllabus with a course description, rationale and learning objectives, course topics, weekly assignments, course policies, and basis for evaluation (assignments, exams, and any other assessment mechanisms).
  7. Other sections of your choice (optional)

How to apply:

If you're interested in applying for the program, you would first self-enroll, using your FIU credentials, in the TA Orientation & Certificate Program page on FIU's Develop platform.

To complete the application process, you would submit a 1-2 page Statement of Purpose explaining your reasons for wishing to pursue the Certificate and exploring your goals as an educator. You will gain full access to Tier 1 of the certificate program when your Statement of Purpose is accepted.