CIRTL Scholar Certification

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CIRTL Scholar Certification

The CIRTL Scholar Certification represents a significant milestone in advancing teaching and learning capabilities. Developed by the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL), this certification is designed for individuals seeking to deepen their expertise across various teaching contexts.

Through this certification, participants engage in a comprehensive exploration of educational research, diversity and inclusion, and teaching philosophy. A prerequisite for embarking on this certification journey is the completion of the Practitioner Certificate, which provides foundational knowledge in teaching and learning.

As part of the CIRTL Scholar Certification, scholars undertake a Teaching-as-Research (TAR) investigation, a pivotal component of the program. This hands-on project involves planning, implementing, and assessing teaching strategies. The findings are shared with CIRTL's expansive learning community through presentations or publications. Scholars thus contribute to the wider discourse on effective teaching methods.

This certification serves as a testament to a learner's dedication to enhancing pedagogical skills and fostering inclusive learning environments. It is aligned with CIRTL's core principles of scholarly teaching, learning through diversity, and research-based educational practices. Scholars emerge from this program with a well-rounded understanding of teaching and learning, ready to make meaningful contributions to the educational landscape.

Earning Criteria

- Complete 3 activities on teaching and learning.
- Teaching experience as delivering a Seminar, a Lecture, or other (as approved).
- Develop a teaching portfolio.
- Implement and present a final Teaching as Research Project. The presentation can be a poster at CIRTL all network TAR presentations or at a conference with a strand focused on teaching and learning - i.e. Provost teaching & learning. Publication of TAR project is highly desired.

Additional Details

Time to Complete

Approximately 2 academic semesters; 30-35 weeks.

Learning Outcomes

- Apply research-based pedagogical techniques effectively in teaching and learning settings.
- Conduct educational research, including the design, implementation, and evaluation of teaching-as-research (TAR) investigations.
- Integrate principles of diversity and inclusion into teaching and learning practices.
- Articulate a well-defined teaching philosophy that guides instructional approaches.
- Create comprehensive teaching portfolios that document teaching experiences and evidence of impact.
- Execute TAR projects, presenting and potentially publishing the findings in scholarly and educational contexts.
Jamie Gurganus

Jamie Gurganus

Lect & Director

Engineering E 225J

jgurganus@umbc.edu

+1 410 455 8439