Program Overview

Postdoc Teaching Certificate of Completion (PDTCC) Program Overview

The Postdoc Teaching Certificate of Completion (PDTCC) Program, offered by the Institute for Learning and Teaching (TILT), provides CSU postdocs with the opportunity to learn about, practice, and reflect on teaching at the post-secondary level. This program is designed for postdocs who plan to teach at a college or university after completing their degree.

Program Details

• The program takes approximately 70 hours and can be completed in 18-24 months.
• It is an optional, noncredit, no-cost, self-paced experience.
• Program participants who successfully complete the requirements during their time as a postdoc at CSU earn a Certificate of Completion that demonstrates their commitment to college teaching and can enhance their professional credentials on the job market.

Certificate Requirements

To earn the Postdoc Teaching Certificate of Completion, participants must satisfy the six program-specific learning outcomes highlighted below. The minimum requirements for completion are to:

• Enroll in and successfully complete three Best Practices in Teaching (BPiT) courses.
• Complete three designated workshops.
• Complete one of the options offered toward additional practice and application.

PDTCC Learning Outcomes and How to Fulfill Them

Learning Outcome #1: Inclusive Classroom Climate

Develop skills and confidence in creating a supportive, accessible, and inclusive classroom climate. This can be fulfilled by taking at least one of the following BPiT Courses:

• Inclusive Pedagogy
• Classroom Climate
• Student Motivation
• Accessible and Inclusive Electronic Content

Learning Outcome #2: Inclusive Instructional Strategies

Use a variety of inclusive instructional strategies that engage all students, are accessible, and promote critical thinking. This can be fulfilled by taking at least one of the following BPiT Courses:

• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning

Learning Outcome #3: Classroom Strategies

Identify and use classroom strategies that cultivate an effective, engaging, and productive learning environment. This can be fulfilled by:

• Taking at least one of the following BPiT courses:
  • Planning an Effective Class Session
  • First Four Weeks
  • Teaching Online: Facilitation and Engagement
• Taking the following workshop:
  • Classroom Strategies – Optimize Your Time and Increase Student Engagement

Learning Outcome #4: Teaching Philosophy

Create a teaching philosophy and persona informed by research-based practices from the Teaching Effectiveness Framework. This can be fulfilled by taking all of the following workshops:

• Writing a Teaching Philosophy workshop
• Developing a Teaching Persona workshop

Learning Outcome #5: Additional Practice and Application

Practice, apply, and/or deepen understanding of pedagogical best practices. This can be fulfilled by completing one of the following options:

• Participate in TILT’s Teaching Squares program for one semester.
• Produce a teaching portfolio that includes:
  • An observation of your teaching (and subsequent report) by a disciplinary faculty member
  • Your observation (and report) of a disciplinary faculty member’s teaching
  • A sample course syllabus, sample assignment, and sample assessment criteria/rubric for the assignment
  • The teaching philosophy document created after the workshop required for the learning outcome above
  • A short reflection framing the portfolio
• Complete an additional Best Practices in Teaching (BPiT) course of your choice in an area you want more specialization.

Learning Outcome #6: Reflection

Recognize and appreciate reflection as a tool to refine future teaching practices. This is accomplished through successful completion of a BPiT course Practice and Reflect assignment, Teaching Squares, or other reflection activities completed in this program.

Program Structure and Support

• Each Best Practices in Teaching course is offered at least once per year (including the summer).
• The workshops on classroom strategies, teaching philosophy, and teaching persona are each offered at least once per semester (including the summer).
• TILT recommends checking the TILT Calendar of Events and creating a plan for yourself.

Note

The Postdoc Teaching Certificate of Completion Program is not a teacher certification or licensure program. The Certificate is available to all CSU postdocs who successfully fulfill the program requirements. Upon completion, participants receive a Certificate of Completion and can add the Certificate to their CV/resume.