2023-2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the UW-Madison Teaching Academy, founded in December 1993 by the Faculty Senate (see Faculty Document 1041a) to:
Recommended Purpose
As a focal center for scholarly dialogues, the Teaching Academy will gather together those scholars who have demonstrated excellence and expertise in teaching and are concerned about teaching and learning in this research university. The purpose of the Teaching Academy is to provide leadership to strengthen undergraduate, graduate and outreach teaching by University of Wisconsin-Madison faculty members and instructional staff. The Academy will identify contemporary issues of undergraduate, graduate and outreach teaching and learning in the context of a research university. Dialogue and discussion across departments and disciplines will be fostered.
So, we held a reunion and about 50 members participated, including some long-time Academy supporters and Executive Committee members including: Jim Taylor, Steve Hardin, Bassam Shakhashiri, Steve Ackerman, Chris Olsen, Ruth Olson, Margaret Nellis, Cheryl Diermyer, Janet Batzli, Nick Balster, Jamie Henke, Beth Martin, Michael Maguire, Pam Mcgranaham, John Parrish, Morton Ann Gernsbacher, Dan Pell, Carolyn Leissen, Molly Harris, and many more!
During a group activity, attendees were asked to write their hopes and dreams, which were later coded for themes. The results collectively paint a comprehensive picture of the multifaceted nature of the Academy, highlighting its role in community building, professional development, innovation, inclusivity, mentorship, and adaptability in the context of teaching and learning at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
In the words of Jim Taylor, founding member of the Teaching Academy and the initial advocate for the Teaching Academy back in 1992 and 1993:
“I felt a lot of love … from all the speakers at the reunion. That shows that the Teaching Academy is in good shape and is serving its Fellows as was intended.”
Let’s continue discussing the strange body that the Academy is, and the role(s) it can continue to play on campus — even as everything evolves.
Huge thanks to the planning team (and their supervisors/colleagues): Kelly Copolo, James Taylor, Pamela Mcgranahan, Patty Sigler, Angela Kita, and Karen Skibba.
Missed the event? Want to watch again?
- Read Jim Taylor’s article (and video) on How and Why Was the Teaching Academy Created?
- Read Teaching Academy Members’ Hopes and Dreams