Institute for Teaching Excellence (ITE)
The Institute for Teaching Excellence (ITE) at York Technical College serves to Train, Inspire, Motivate, and Support faculty through providing innovative techniques, methods, and resources faculty need to increase student success and become master teachers. The ITE team administers the D2L learning management system, provides leadership and guidance for online courses, provides training on instructional systems and technology, manages the Inclusive Access course materials program, and shares guidance for instructional excellence at the College.
The ITE collaborates with academic divisions and departments to create specific training or workshops based on their needs. The ITE collaborates with faculty and assists with course development, assessment design, and the creation of eLearning activities. Facilitating curriculum reviews and managing the Inclusive Access course materials program are also led by the ITE team.
An overview of the Institute for Teaching Excellence, information about the team, faculty trainer credentials, the ITE principles and methods, and the Master Teacher program can be found in the ITE ePortfolio.
New Faculty Training
All new faculty, full-time and adjunct/part-time, hired at York Technical College must complete the New Faculty Training Course no later than the end of teaching their first course or 8-weeks after their hire date, whichever comes first. New faculty have access to this training course immediately upon final hiring paperwork completion with Human Resources and account creation by Information Systems. New faculty training will be offered no less than at the start of each academic semester and may be offered at additional times based on need.
New Faculty Training includes modules on the following basic topics: college leadership and mission information, preparing for the first day of class (including information about course materials, teaching guidelines, FERPA, and the LMS), teaching excellence, assignments and grading, situational considerations (such as academic dishonesty), guidelines and procedures (such as workplace attire), and getting help. Faculty must complete multiple assignments as well as a final assessment to demonstrate content mastery. Adjunct faculty are compensated $150 for the successful completion of the New Faculty Training course.
Online Teaching Excellence Training
All faculty who are teaching courses in a distance education format are expected to complete the Online Excellence Training course. This 4-week, instructor-led course is delivered through D2L and is offered regularly throughout the year. The Online Teaching Excellence course includes modules on online practices: online course expectations, faculty presence and engagement, accessibility in online courses, and assignments and assessments in online courses, to include remote proctoring. This course was benchmarked using the Online Learning Consortium Certificate in Teaching Online. More information about this training course, dates offered, and compensation can be found in the Distance Education Faculty Guide.
Professional Development Program
York Technical College is dedicated to ensuring faculty and staff have access to many professional development opportunities. Onsite workshops, training sessions, and virtual trainings are regularly offered by Human Resources, the Institute for Teaching Excellence, and various College departments and academic divisions.
Each year, full-time faculty at York Technical College are expected to complete 10 hours of professional development, as approved by the QLC in May 2021, related to instructional excellence topics including technology, instructional design, pedagogy, learning science, assessment, and methods of using data for improvement. Faculty may elect to attend various training sessions and workshops offered by the Institute for Teaching Excellence, participate in webinars, or attend conferences either virtually or in-person.
Professional Development Opportunities from the Institute for Teaching Excellence
In conjunction with faculty, department chairs, and academic leadership, the Institute for Teaching Excellence provides multiple opportunities for faculty development and training. Professional Development and Training are provided through webinars, interactive workshops, on-demand courses, and teaching excellence conferences, available to all full-time and adjunct faculty at York Technical College. To see on-demand training opportunities and upcoming events, please visit the ITE professional development site.
Professional Development Council
The Professional Development Council at York Technical College is comprised of faculty and staff throughout the College and led by Human Resources. The College allocates ample financial resources for full-time faculty and staff professional development opportunities. These opportunities include financial support for employees to obtain further education, return to industry for faculty, attendance at in-person or virtual conferences, support for external speakers to come to the College, and other professional development activities. Part-time faculty may be eligible to request financial support from the PDC for professional development activities.
Faculty LibGuides
The Faculty Resources LibGuide webpage is an open-access, comprehensive site that provides direct links to a multitude of resources, materials, and tutorials created and maintained by the Institute for Teaching Excellence. Topics covered include D2L, course materials, attendance, technology tools, accessibility, remote proctoring, engaging ideas in the classroom, and more.
D2L Help Button
The D2L Help Button is available on the top navigation bar on the D2L home page and all D2L course pages. The Help Button directs faculty and students to Honorlock help, the library, technical support, tutoring, and the Student Resources LibGuides. Faculty have an additional option for the Faculty LibGuide page and resources.
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