Teaching Support

Dr. Christine Mair (Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health) with her students. Photo credit: Marlayna Demond ’11

Whether you are an experienced teacher or you are new to teaching, we realize that it can be very stressful to start teaching at a new university. Below are some tips and resources that can help.

Ask your Chair and/or your departmental mentor for sample syllabi to help you develop your teaching materials. They can answer any questions you might have about departmental expectations for teaching, and, if you wish, review your draft syllabi as you prepare for your first classes.

The Center for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching (CALT) through the work of the Faculty Development Center (FDC) supports faculty in their teaching role at UMBC by providing a comprehensive program of services and resources. The Center hosts numerous discussions each year on research-based best pedagogical practices and offers opportunities to obtain another perspective on your course(s) through their CATALyst midterm-feedback process, non-evaluative observations, and consultations. Certificate programs and Faculty Learning Communities offer more structured, sustained opportunities to explore and reflect on teaching in community with colleagues. The Center also provides support for learning assessment, pedagogical innovation and research (including the Hrabowski Fund for Innovation), a lending library, and robust web resources on teaching and learning. To learn more, visit their website and follow their myUMBC group.

Instructional Technology & New Media (ITNM) helps faculty solve pedagogical problems or create new learning opportunities through efficient, effective use and support of technology. Our Technology Support Center (TSC) provides first-level basic IT support and curates the campus’ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Our Instructional Technology team provides workshops and consulting. Finally, our New Media Studio provides multi-media production services including Digital Storytelling.

Click here for resources on how to support student well-being and understanding behaviors of concern.