Advance Your Teaching Practice
What is ACUE?
The Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) offers rigorous, research-based microcredential courses that help faculty refine their teaching practices and enhance student outcomes. Each course includes six modules over six weeks, blending asynchronous learning, practical classroom application, and reflective teaching.
Invest in Your Teaching
In partnership with UT System, UT Austin will fully fund the cost of your enrollment in any of the ACUE microcredential courses.
That means you can access a nationally endorsed professional development experience — at no cost to you. This is part of our institutional and the Center for Teaching and Learnings commitment to instructional excellence and continuous faculty growth.
This is part of our institutions commitment — through the Center for Teaching and Learning to advancing instructional excellence and promoting ongoing faculty development across campus.
Not sure if ACUE is the right next step for you?
Schedule a consultation with an educational consultant to explore how ACUE aligns with your teaching goals and professional growth.
ACUE Pinning Ceremony 2023
Why Join ACUE?
Take a six-week course at your pace and gain new teaching insights.
Receive Recognized Certification
Each completed microcredential stacks toward ACUE’s full Effective Teaching Certification, the only college-level credential of its kind endorsed by the American Council on Education. This certification is respected across higher education institutions nationwide.
Implement What You Learn Right Away
Every module includes practical, classroom-ready strategies that you apply in real time. Faculty report seeing measurable improvements in student participation, motivation, and success throughout the course.
Join a Professional Community of Practice
Participating faculty join a cohort of peers dedicated to improving teaching. You’ll benefit from support, shared experiences, and ongoing dialogue around best practices at UT Austin and beyond.
Want to try it out?
If you haven't taken an ACUE course before but are interested in how some evidence-based strategies can help you set up your semester for success, sign up for the two-module Effective Teaching 101: Starting the Semester Off Right course. You have the option to sign up for the asynchronous OR synchronous cohort. The asynchronous cohort will complete the modules on their own time. The synchronous cohort will meet over two mornings at CTL over a free light breakfast to complete the modules together and discuss how to apply them with our on-site pedagogy experts
Asynchronous course: January 5 – January 16, 2026
In-person course: January 6 – January 7, 2026
Meets 9:30am-12:00pm, in PCL 3.349 with free breakfast!
RSVP by: December 22, 2026
ACUE Microcredential Course: Spring 2026
In the Spring semester, CTL is offering the ACUE microcredential course in Inspiring Inquiry and Preparing Lifelong Learners, one of four micro-credential courses in the nationally recognized ACUE Effective Teaching series.
Over the course of six weeks, you’ll complete six asynchronous modules (about 2-3 hours per week), apply research-based strategies directly in your classroom, and submit a reflection on their impact on student learning. The course is designed to fit into your schedule while delivering meaningful, real-time improvements to your teaching.
Course Dates: January 16 – March 1 2026
RSVP by: December 22, 2026
Hear what other instructor's say
We've had many dedicated educators complete ACUE microcredential courses and be recognized for their commitment to impactful, student-centered teaching. Here's what instructors at UT have to say about their experience:
“Learning is transitive and also transformative. When I put myself in the shoes of my students, teaching becomes reflective and rewarding. Teaching and learning are not separate processes — they’re two sides of the same coin.”
— Ying Ding
"Go through each module, even if you don’t think it applies to your course — you’d be surprised how many ways you can grow your teaching when you approach new ideas creatively.”
— Kasey Faust
“I can actually be the grounded, organized, and innovative pedagogue of my dreams! The ACUE program helped me build routines and confidence that carry over into every class I teach.”
— Ashley Coleman Taylor
Earn a Nationally Recognized Teaching Certification
Take one course or reach toward the ACUE Effective Teaching Certification, a micocredential endorsed by the American Council on Education.
Complete all four microcredentials to earn certification:
- Promoting Active Learning
- Inspiring Inquiry and Preparing Lifelong Learners
- Creating a Productive Learning Environment
- Designing Learner-Centered Courses (Summer 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is eligible to participate in ACUE courses?
All faculty and instructional staff at UT Austin; including tenure-track, non-tenure track, and adjunct instructors are eligible to enroll in ACUE courses, pending availability. Graduate student instructors may also be considered depending on cohort capacity.
What is the time commitment each week?
Each course includes six weekly modules, each requiring approximately two hours to complete. In addition, you’ll be asked to implement a teaching strategy from the module in your course and submit a brief written reflection.
Is there any cost to me?
No. UT Austin, in collaboration with the UT System, fully covers the cost of participation. There is no out-of-pocket expense for faculty or departments.
What kind of certification will I receive?
Participants who complete a course will receive an ACUE microcredential in a specific area of effective teaching. Completing all four micro-credentials leads to the ACUE Effective Teaching Certification, endorsed by the American Council on Education.
Who can i contact for more information
Feel free to contact anne.braseby@austin.utexas.edu for the CTL's ACUE related questions.