Certificates in University Teaching
In cooperation with CTLO, CPET is expanding and improving upon the long-running certificate of interest program to offer two tiers of certification. The Certificate of Interest program aims to inspire participants to develop as educators through the submission of reflective journal entries addressing the content and application of teaching workshops and seminars. The Certificate of Practice program helps participants develop as teachers by providing them with the knowledge and support necessary to improve their educational practice in various teaching environments. Please note that you do not have to complete the Certificate of Interest program before participation in the Certificate of Practice. If you are interested in participating in either certificate program, please contact us at cpet@caltech.edu. Please note: These certificate programs are available to Caltech-affiliated graduate students and post-doctoral fellows only.
| Certificate of Interest | Certificate of Practice | |
|---|---|---|
| How do I start? | Contact cpet@caltech.edu | Contact cpet@caltech.edu |
| What are the program goals? | Introduce participants to teaching pedagogy and best practices, and inspire participants to develop their skills as educators with regular support and feedback from CPET and CTLO staff | Provide knowledge of teaching pedagogy and best practices to participants and help them apply their knowledge to their own teaching experiences with regular support and feedback from CPET and CTLO staff |
| What is the commitment for this program? | Low commitment, 16-18 hours spread over 1-2 years | High commitment, spread over 2-4 years |
| What are the major requirements? | 1. Attend six teaching-related seminars or workshops; 2. Complete a reflective journals on each; 3. Summarize your overall experience at the end. | 1. Participate in an educational course; 2 and 3. Teach for two quarters (or equivalent) and implement pedagogy, best practices, and feedback into your teaching; 4. Create a teaching portfolio. |
| What are the program outcomes? | Six reflective journal entries and a reflective summary of your participation in the program. | A teaching portfolio containing a teaching statement, examples of your teaching work, reflective entries, and student feedback |
| How does Caltech acknowledge your participation? | A Letter of Completion from the Dean of Graduate Studies and the Associate Director of the CTLO, Recognition at graduation, Dinner with other Awardees at the end of the Academic Year. | Notation of Completion on transcript, A Letter of Completion from the Dean of Graduate Studies and the Associate Director of the CTLO, Recognition at graduation, Dinner with other Awardees at the end of the Academic Year. |
NEW FOR POST-DOCS: The Postdoc Pre-Faculty Pedagogy Preparation Program (5P) is designed to help familiarize and prepare you for the teaching-related aspects of your role as a future faculty member, whether that is at a large research-focused university, a small teaching-focused college, or anything in-between.
5P consists of 5 components:
Pedagogy: Introduction to STEM university teaching through coursework on foundational principles and strategies. Complete either 1. E110: Principles of University Teaching and Learning in STEM, 2. "Transforming Your Research Into Teaching" (TYRIT) AND "How Learning Works" workshop series, or 3. Online courses "An Introduction to Evidence-Based Undergraduate STEM Teaching" PLUS either "Advancing Learning Through Evidence-Based STEM Teaching" or "Inclusive STEM Teaching Project".
Practice: Lead a guest lecture/workshop using what you learned in "Pedagogy", under the observation of a CTLO staff member.
Project: Incorporate what you learned in "Pedagogy" into an independent project -- Create an annotated full course syllabus OR design and lead a workshop on a topic of your choice.
Professional Planning: Prepare for your career search by attending workshops/panels on topics such as teaching careers or writing teaching statements.
Portfolio: Create a teaching portfolio to showcase who you are as an instructor.
Please contact the CTLO (ctlo@caltech.edu) with questions or for enrollment information.