LEC Initiatives in 2022

LEC’s Inaugural Teaching and Learning Conference 

The LEC hosted its first-ever Teaching and Learning Conference: Connect, Engage, Inspire via Zoom on November 2nd and 3rd (https://www.nova.edu/lec/conference.html). There were 250 registrants representing faculty, administrators, staff, and students from across all colleges and many offices. With 30 presenters and 26 sessions, attendees were able to select topics of interest ranging from accessible and inclusive learning design, applications of technology and simulation to teaching and learning, and innovative facilitation techniques. We are grateful for our planners, presenters, and attendees and are excited to begin planning for 2023!

NSU Educator Competency Framework 

The NSU Educator Competency Framework is a model that identifies and defines five competency categories (i.e., designing effective learning experiences; creating learner-centered environments; using innovative teaching strategies and technology; acting with integrity; and embracing belonging, equity, diversity and inclusion) along with related knowledge, skills, and attitudes that we value in our faculty, staff, and administrators who serve in the role of educating our students. Based on NSU’s core values. expert input, and evidence-based studies about teaching and learning, the framework can be used as a foundation for performance assessment and management as well as development of programs, services, and resources.

Thank A Professor

Mostly decorative Thank A Professors for all of their hard work.

The LEC is committed to promoting, supporting, and celebrating quality and excellence in teaching by building a sense of community and a culture of connectivity. In fulfilling this mission, last year the LEC created a program to recognize faculty members who create impactful and meaningful experiences in the classroom while challenging students and being positive role models. Thank-a-Professor was inspired by an idea brought to us by Dr. Emily Schmitt from the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences. Through this program, we have recognized instructors for their efforts by sharing over 2200 student thank-you notes. We were pleasantly overwhelmed by the number of responses from your students last year and we are preparing to share the next batch of Thank You notes that was just collected from students in 2022. Thank you faculty members for all of your hard work and dedication to your students.

LEC Advisory Council 

Both the Teaching and Learning Conference and the NSU Educator Competency Framework would not have been possible without the time, dedication, and expertise provided by the LEC Advisory Council (https://www.nova.edu/lec/advisory-council.html). Formed in Fall 2021, the Council includes 28 faculty, staff, and administrators representing NSU colleges and offices. All have a common goal of continuous improvement and preeminence in teaching and learning at NSU. Work began on the conference and competency framework in February 2022, and we are grateful to the Council for helping the LEC to move both of these initiatives forward.