Teaching Circle
A teaching circle is a group of faculty who collectively explore a teaching topic of interest and work together to create products reflecting their learning experience. Products can be research, teaching plans, workshops, presentations, or any other items. The time commitment is approximately 10 hours split between four 1-hour gatherings and independent time for reading and product creation. This opportunity is a structured method, with built-in accountability to help you create a useful product.
No expertise required for any circle - just bring your curiosity.
Multiple teaching circles are running in Fall 2026.
Engaging Students in AI Conversations
This Fall 2026 teaching circle will focus on engaging students in generative artificial intelligence conversations.
How can we continue to discuss the challenges of generative AI tools with students while still preparing them for a world where AI is prevalent? How can we engage in critical conversations about the impact of AI tools on our thinking, our environment, and society? This circle will focus on strategies and techniques for holding productive AI conversations with your students.
Schedule
All meetings are on Zoom from 1:00 to 2:00 PM on select Mondays.
Introductory Meeting (September 14)
- Welcome, introductions, share ideas and AI resources
- Homework: pick an idea, conduct initial research on own or using provided resources
Second Meeting - Sharing Learning (October 5)
- Participants share discoveries from their reading/research
- Homework: Draft a product
Third Meeting - Receiving Feedback (October 26)
- Product progress check-in with peer review and feedback
- Homework: finalize product
Fourth Meeting - Celebration (November 16)
- Presenting final product, reflection on the process, discussion of next steps
Registration
To participate, complete the Fall 2026 Teaching Circle registration form by Monday, August 31. For questions or additional information, please contact the TLC at tlc@wcupa.edu.
Problems of Practice: Finding Solutions to Tricky Teaching Challenges
This fall 2026 teaching circle will focus on finding and creating solutions to teaching challenges.
Do you have a teaching challenge that you want to resolve, but are struggling to find time to tackle the problem? Join this teaching circle for semi-structured support to help you engage the literature and design a solution to your specific teaching challenge with a 10-hour commitment over the semester.
Schedule
All meetings are on Zoom and last one hour.
Introductory Meeting (Wednesday, September 30 @ 1pm)
- Welcome, introductions, share ideas and resources
- Homework: pick an idea, conduct initial research on own or using provided resources
Second Meeting - Sharing Learning (Wednesday, October 14 @1pm)
- Participants share discoveries from their reading/research
- Homework: Draft a product
Third Meeting - Receiving Feedback (Wednesday, October 28 @1pm)
- Product progress check-in with peer review and feedback
- Homework: finalize product
Fourth Meeting - Celebration (Wednesday, November 11 @1pm)
- Presenting final product, reflection on the process, discussion of next steps
Registration
To participate, complete the Fall 2026 Teaching Circle registration form by Monday, August 31. For questions or additional information, please contact the TLC at tlc@wcupa.edu.
Incorporating a Unique Pedagogical Approach
This Fall 2026 teaching circle will focus on helping faculty research and potentially implement a new or unique pedagogical approach.
Do you have a particular pedagogical approach you've heard about and want to try, but haven’t had time to explore? If so, this teaching circle is for you. Possible pedagogical approaches include:
- Sustainability pedagogy
- Joy-centered pedagogy
- Service learning
- Project based learning
- Alternative grading
- Or any other pedagogical approach you want to explore
Schedule
The time commitment is approximately 10 hours over the semester split between four 1-hour Zoom gatherings and independent time for reading and product creation. This offering is a structured method, with built-in accountability to help you begin implementing a new pedagogical approach. All meetings are on Zoom. Meeting times may be adjusted based on participant availability after the first meeting.
Introductory Meeting (Thursday, September 10 – 12:30 – 1:30)
- Welcome, introductions, share ideas and resources
- Homework: pick an idea, conduct initial research independently or using provided resources
Second Meeting - Sharing Learning (Thursday, September 24)
- Participants share discoveries from their reading/research
- Homework: Draft product
Third Meeting - Practical Implementation (Thursday, October 8)
- Product progress check-in with peer review and feedback
- Homework: finalize product
Fourth Meeting - Celebration (Thursday, October 22)
- Presenting final product, reflection on the process, discussion of next steps
Registration
To participate, complete the Fall 2026 Teaching Circle registration form by Monday, August 31. For questions or additional information, please contact the TLC at tlc@wcupa.edu.
Teaching Diverse Communities Classes
The Teaching and Learning Center invites faculty who teach courses that fulfill the
Diverse Communities requirement to participate in a Teaching Circle this fall. Teaching
Diverse Communities courses can be both rewarding and challenging. Questions about
classroom discussions, student engagement, course materials, current events, and the
broader role of these courses often arise throughout the semester. This Teaching Circle
provides a space for faculty to connect with colleagues who understand this work.
Whether you are teaching a Diverse Communities course for the first time or have years
of experience, you are welcome to join the conversation. We will explore the many
dimensions of teaching Diverse Communities courses, from classroom practice and student
engagement to the role these courses play in students' programs and educational experiences.
The circle is shaped by the questions, experiences, and ideas participants bring to
the conversation. It is a space to share challenges, celebrate successes, support
one another, and learn from colleagues across disciplines.
The Teaching Circle will meet virtually once a month throughout the semester. Participation is flexible and open, and faculty are welcome to join as their schedules allow.
Schedule
Meeting times will be determined based on participant availability after registration.
Registration
To participate, complete the Fall 2026 Teaching Circle registration form by Monday, August 31. For questions or additional information, please contact the TLC at tlc@wcupa.edu.
