The Heart Behind the Center for Teaching and Learning
The Center for Teaching and Learning has supported the teaching and learning mission of UT Austin for over 50 years. We inherit a distinguished legacy of collaborating with instructors at all stages of their careers to design transformative learning experiences that challenge and inspire both students and educators. We are committed to working with instructors, staff, and students to advance a campus culture that values and rewards effective teaching.
The Center for Teaching and Learning envisions a university where UT educators have the knowledge, resources, and confidence to create student-centered learning experiences that empower all students to make meaningful changes in their communities.
The Center for Teaching and Learning serves the University of Texas at Austin and beyond by:
- Connecting students, staff, and instructors with colleagues across the UT teaching and learning community.
- Equipping students, staff, and instructors with skills and knowledge for professional growth.
- Leveraging our knowledge and experience to collaborate with students, staff, and instructors so we can all thrive as teachers and learners.
- Spotlighting achievements that advance a culture of teaching and learning.
We uphold our values and provide a service to instructors by:
- Effective Collaboration: The CTL thrives as a team, and our work has the potential to be more creative and unique when we exchange ideas and bring a multitude of diverse perspectives and valued skills at multiple stages of a project.
Clear Communication: Clear communication is about understanding other people’s thoughts and ideas and clearly articulating those thoughts and ideas to others. - Quality Work: We are a service organization committed to producing high quality work that is driven by our mission, evidence about student learning and teaching effectiveness, and a knowledge of our clients and audience.
- Respectful Engagement: Professional relationships need stability from a foundation of respect: respect for the person and respect for skills and experience.
50 Years of Supporting UT Austin
For half a century, the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) has been a cornerstone of support for the teaching and learning mission at UT Austin. On January 10, 2024, over 100 campus colleagues gathered to celebrate the Center's rich history. The event included a ribbon cutting, activities within the new PCL office space, and food and drink. Old and new colleagues reconnected to reminisce, and it was a special honor to have co-founders Dr. Marilla Svinicki and Dr. Karron Lewis, who each later served as directors of the center over the course of their careers, in attendance. For more videos about our 50th anniversary check out our collection below, or visit our Vimeo collection here.
Our Services
Consultations
The CTL employs educational consultants who are both experienced teachers and pedagogical experts. We provide personalized educational consulting services that are tailored to the unique needs of each UT Austin educator and program. Our consultants are available by appointment and offer a wide range of services aimed at improving student learning outcomes, assisting with innovative program design, and investigating evidence-based pedagogical strategies.
Who we serve
Schedule a consultation with us if you are:
- An experienced instructor who wants to try new techniques, approaches, or technologies
- New to teaching and want help getting started
- Working with instructors/students and want to integrate evidence-based pedagogical practices
- Encountering pedagogical challenges in your courses(s) or instructional presence and want help identifying and addressing emerging areas of concern
Consultation services
When you consult with one of us, we can:
- Explore information you provide (data, assignment instructions, Canvas content, class size)
- Strategize how we can work effectively together to help you reach a desired outcome for you and your students
- Highlight strategies that proactively support classroom spaces, practices, and content reflective of CTL’s commitment to inclusive teaching and learning
- Connect you to a relevant UT network or wider community
Consultation outcomes
As a result of our consultation conversations, we often:
- Share resources directly relevant to your interests and needs
- Work collaboratively to develop activities or assessments that support student learning
- Offer recommendations that provide you with a variety of choices/possibilities
- Create action plans to improve student learning
- Direct you to where to you can find additional timely resources or connections on campus
- Provide guidance on reflective teaching materials and the scholarship of teaching and learning
- Plan for follow up (we really care about whether you’ve gotten what you need!)
Our Workshops
Designed for educators or graduate instructors, our workshops provide practical insights and hands-on experiences to help you improve your teaching skills. From incorporating new technologies into your classroom to implementing inclusive teaching practices that cater to all students, our sessions are designed to inspire and grow. Join us to connect with other educators, share ideas, and learn new strategies for improving your teaching and enriching student learning.
Designed with you in mind
We do this by:
- Asking questions to understand your needs,
- Communicating workshop goals and aligning them with activities, and
- Sharing teaching strategies that are rooted in teaching and learning scholarship.
Hands-on and collaborative
We do this by:
- Providing opportunities for you to discuss and apply new concepts, and
- Holding space for you to make connections with peers while we all work towards a common purpose.
Participatory and reflective
We do this by:
- Building time in every workshop for you to reflect on your own teaching practices and consider ways to integrate new ideas and strategies, and
- Providing take-home resources so you can continue to explore on your own time.
Additional Services
Besides consultations and workshops, two of our signature services, CTL supports the UT teaching and learning community by facilitating the following:
Events and Engagement
Throughout the year, the CTL hosts a variety of programming and events, including:
- Learning Communities
- Communities of Practice
- Book Clubs
- Symposia Showcases
- Campus-wide Events
Funding and Resources
The CTL updates and supports our UT community through various means, such as:
- Grants and Professional Development
- Teaching and Learning Resources
- Monthly Newsletter
- Social Media Updates
Leadership and Staff collaboration
Our CTL staff also fosters a culture of teaching and learning on campus by leading and participating in:
- Working Groups
- Consortia
- Policy Discussions
- Faculty Council Subcommittees
- Professional Organizations and meetings
Stay Updated
To stay abreast of CTL offerings and resources, follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletter and bookmark our calendar of events
Follow us on Instagram to stay connected and immersed in the CTL's vibrant world of teaching and learning!
Twitter/X
Follow us on Twitter/X for updates on our latest events and news, as well as support from our local UT Austin community.
Flickr
Discover the moments that have defined the CTL. View our Flickr page to browse our rich collection of photos.
Vimeo
Our Vimeo page features inspiring stories and practical teaching advice to enhance your educational journey and provide insight into our daily impact.
Explore More
Connect With Us Today
Whether you need advice, are interested in our programs, or want to collaborate, the Center for Teaching and Learning is here to help you. Reach out to see how we can collaborate to improve education at UT Austin.