You had a great interview and got an offer to teach. Now, it’s time for the faculty training. Dorothy Miraglia, the VP of Professor Services, also facilitates faculty training for several colleges. She has insights on maximizing your time in the course to demonstrate your professionalism and teaching skills, gain professional development, network, and ensure you are assigned courses.
Watch the full interview with Dr. Miraglia here:
As Miraglia explains in a recent podcast, faculty training is a crash course in understanding an institution’s culture, policies, mission, and classroom operations. It is more than a formality. She encourages you to view training as professional development and a networking opportunity.
Miraglia emphasizes the practical benefits of training, highlighting that it is a platform for experienced and new instructors to refine their skills, learn new techniques, and share experiences. This collaborative environment fosters a sense of camaraderie and resource-sharing that is especially important when working virtually.
Treat Faculty Training Like You’re a Serious Student
It’s crucial you take faculty training seriously. Miraglia says she sees faculty who don’t submit work, participate in discussions, or ask for extra time. She says if you don’t have time for the training, how will you have time to teach a course? If you want to be assigned courses, you must complete the training. It demonstrates a commitment to the role and a readiness to embrace the student perspective—a crucial aspect of the learning process. Miraglia shares that your level of engagement in these trainings can significantly impact whether or not you get hired and assigned courses.
Make Faculty Training Professional Development
Viewing faculty training as professional development is a mindset that can lead to personal and career advancements. You may have the opportunity to work with a new Learning Management System (LMS) or to use it differently, and you may learn how to use new tools. These are great additions to your CV and social profiles.
You might also like: Trying to get your first teaching job? Learn from Mark Grant’s approach.
Here are a few more reasons to fully engage in your next faculty training.
- Understanding the Institution: Faculty trainings offer a deep dive into the university’s culture, policies, and values. It’s a crash course that prepares you for the mission ahead.
- Networking Opportunities: These sessions are an opportunity to build relationships with peers and mentors, fostering a supportive academic community.
- Skill Refinement: Regardless of your experience level, there’s always something new to learn. Trainings provide a platform to sharpen your teaching techniques and exchange best practices.
- Professional Commitment: Taking trainings seriously showcases your dedication and can be pivotal in securing your position. It’s about demonstrating your readiness to embrace the student perspective.
- Lifelong Learning: Embrace the training as a chance for continuous improvement. It’s a refresher that updates you with the latest educational strategies and technologies.
- Versatility in Teaching: You’ll get hands-on experience with various LMS platforms and learn to cater to diverse learning styles, making you a more adaptable educator.
- Sharing Resources: The collaborative environment encourages sharing valuable teaching resources, which can enhance your curriculum.
- Career Enhancement: View these trainings as professional development. They’re not just another line on your CV but a testament to your growth and adaptability as an educator.
Remember, faculty training reflects your commitment to your craft and your students. They are an investment in your future and demonstrate your professional ethos. So, take them seriously, engage fully, and watch as they open doors to new opportunities in your academic career.
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Angela
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