Newsletter (October 2025)

Welcome our New Members!

These new Fellows have been recognized for outstanding commitment to teaching and learning. Welcome to the Teaching Academy!

• Karen Hershberger-Braker, Assistant Teaching Professor, Comparative Biosciences
• Kristi Hallisy, Associate Professor (CHS), Family Medicine & Community Health
• Christine Evans, Associate Director of Advising, L&S Honors
• Megan Miller, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing

Questions about membership?
Contact the Membership Committee uwta-membership@g-groups.wisc.edu

ExComm Update | New Chair & New Member

• Congratulations to Mariah Knowles who has taken the role of Academic Staff Co-Chair of the Executive Committee of the Teaching Academy. Thank you to Jeff Henriques who filled this role in 2024–2025 (and previously).
• Ailea Merriam-Pigg was confirmed to continue as Graduate Student Co-Chair in 2025–2026.
• Peter van Kan & Lyn M Van Swol are continuing into the second year of their service as joint Faculty Co-Chairs.
• Congratulations also go to Kate Rotzenberg who joins the ExComm as an Academic Staff member.

SAVE THE DATE! | 2026 Winter Retreat

• (Draft Title): Building a Culture of Wellbeing through Accessibility & Accommodations
• Fri, Feb 6 2026, 9am-11:30am, in the DeLuca Forum (WID) and online
• The Winter Retreat will be an open carousel for instructors and those who support instruction to share how they are integrating accessibility in their own work and teaching, and how this can contribute to a culture of wellbeing for all. Have something you’d like to share? Registration for speakers will be opening soon!
• Questions about the Retreat? Want to help plan the event?
  Contact Dan Pell dan.pell@wisc.edu

Web Resource for Instructors Working with TAs

• Compiled by the L&S TA Training & Support Team, this Web Resource for Instructors Working with TAs provides practical tips, instructor examples, and templates to help instructors work effectively with TAs throughout the semester.
• Questions about these TA Resources?
  Contact Lynn Prost lprost@wisc.edu

Language Institute | Fall Lectures

• AI and Questionable Research Practices: Ethical Considerations for Authors, Journal Editors, and Reviewers
  Friday, 10 October, 2–3:15 pm | LEARN MORE & REGISTER
  A brown bag for UW-Madison researchers led by Luke Plonsky, Northern Arizona University
• Connect and Share: Instructional Projects with AI
  Wednesday, 15 October, 11 am-noon | LEARN MORE & REGISTER
  A panel with recipients of Language Institute Spring 2025 instructional awards to share the outcomes of projects to pilot instructional activities or develop materials using generative AI
• AI and Questionable Research Practices: Ethical Considerations for Authors, Journal Editors, and Reviewers
  Thursday, 6 November, 11:30 am-12:30 pm | LEARN MORE & REGISTER
  A brown bag for UW-Madison researchers led by Luke Plonsky, Northern Arizona University
• What Do you Mean by ‘Questionable’? The Ethics of Study Quality in Applied Linguistics
  Thursday, 6 November, 2025, 3-4 pm | LEARN MORE & RSVP
  Invited lecture by Luke Plonsky, Northern Arizona University
• Questions about the Language Institute?
  Contact Jana Martin jcmartin4@wisc.edu

WISCIENCE Teaching Fellows | Applications Now Open

• Scientific Teaching Fellows
  Applications open: 15 September-10 November | LEARN MORE
  Virtual info sessions: Join 7 October, 1230–115pm | Join 5 November, 10–10:45 am
• Are you a grad student or postdoc in STEM pursuing a career that includes college-level teaching? If so, we have two unique, year-long professional development programs that offer in-depth training and hands-on experience with inclusive, evidence-based teaching.
• Madison College Teaching Fellows
  Applications open: 15 September – 10 November | LEARN MORE
  Virtual info sessions: Join 18 September, 2:30-3:30 pm | Join 13 October, 11 am-noon
• For those interested in teaching biology, chemistry, physics, math, or computer science. Get in-depth training and hands-on experience instructing a 4-credit course at Madison College.
• Questions about WISCIENCE?
  Contact Brigitte Boucher brboucher@wisc.edu

The Discussion Project

• REGISTER for The Discussion Project in person courses in January 2026. The Discussion Project is a professional learning course to support instructors in designing, implementing, and facilitating high-quality classroom discussion. The course is designed to support instructors teaching classes of up to 40 students although many instructors who teach large classes have taken the course and found it effective for considering how to run interactive lectures and how best to prepare their TAs to run effective discussion sections.
• In Person Cohort Dates:
  • January 7, 8, 9, 830am–430pm in Merit Library, Teacher Education Building, Room 350 (for Faculty & Academic Staff)
  • January 13, 14, 15, 830am–430pm in Educational Sciences, Room 259 (for Faculty & Academic Staff)
  • January 13, 14, 15, 830am–430pm in Merit Library, Teacher Education Building, Room 350 (for Graduate Student Teaching Assistants)
• REGISTER for The Discussion Project Virtual, which starts in early February 2026. A free online course, The Discussion Project Virtual supports UW-Madison instructors and leaders in designing and implementing high quality discussion. The focus of the course is online synchronous video conference discussion, and the skills are also relevant and transferable to in-person teaching and facilitating discussions in meetings.
• Virtual Cohort Dates:
  • Wednesdays, 1PM-3PM CST: 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/3, 3/11, 3/18
  • Each Wednesday Zoom session is preceded by 1 hour of asynchronous work in Canvas.
• Questions about the Discussion Project?
  Contact discussion-project@education.wisc.edu

Apply now for Spring Teaching Fellowships

CTLM fellowships allow instructors to expand their knowledge of teaching and learning in the company of supportive colleagues and CTLM teaching specialists. Discover new ideas and inspiration – apply today!

• CTLM Teaching Fellows is for academic staff and clinical instructors | LEARN MORE & APPLY
• Madison Teaching & Learning Excellence is for early career, tenure track faculty | LEARN MORE & APPLY

Timely Teaching Resources

Join to receive thought-provoking writing prompts throughout the semester and reflect on your teaching and your students’ learning. Engage with other UW–Madison instructors by reading their insights and sharing your own.

• Navigating Classroom Dynamics & Disruptions: This guide helps instructors prepare for and respond to in-class conflicts and challenges, from inappropriate behavior to impacts from politics and current events. It brings together information and resources from across UW–Madison so it’s easy to find and use. | LEARN MORE
• Worried About a Student? Start Here: The midterm period can be stressful, especially for students who are struggling academically. Student Affairs shares guidance for what to do and who can help when an instructor is concerned about a student. | LEARN MORE

If you’re looking for a different kind of engagement or instructional support, please contact CTLM with your request – we look forward to working with you! To learn more about these programs or to register, visit the CTLM’s Professional Development Opportunities.

INTEGRAL Adult Autism Conference

• Sat, Nov 1, 9:30–4:30 pm, Goodman Community Center (214 Waubesa St) & on Zoom. | LEARN MORE & REGISTER
• Includes a webinar with Devon Price (author of Unmasking Autism & Unmasking for Life), Thu, Nov 6 at 7pm.
• Autistic adults and allies! Join us for the 7th Annual INTEGRAL Adult Autism Conference. This year’s theme “Stronger Together” will focus on how autistic adults and their allies can build communities and connections that facilitate our ability to create change on the issues that systemically affect autistic people.
• Questions about the INTEGRAL Conference?
  Contact Dan Pell dan.pell@wisc.edu

Bassam Z. Shakhashiri Public Science Engagement Award | Nominations Open

• Nominations will be accepted from Oct 13—Nov 14, 2025 | LEARN MORE
• The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research is accepting nominations for the Bassam Z. Shakhashiri Public Science Engagement Award.
• The Shakhashiri Award recognizes one University of Wisconsin–Madison faculty and one academic staff member who has shown excellence in engaging the public in their work in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) research. Two $5,000 awards will be announced and presented in spring 2026.
• The award is named for Bassam Z. Shakhashiri, emeritus professor of chemistry and the William T. Evjue Distinguished Chair for the Wisconsin Idea, in honor of his “Science is Fun” philosophy and long-term commitment to science education and public engagement.
• Professor Shakhashiri is a founding member of the Teaching Academy.
• This award is supported by the UW–Madison’s Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and the Morgridge Institute for Research.
• Questions about the Award?
  Contact competitions@research.wisc.edu

Navigating Challenges and Finding Common Ground: Teaching and Learning in Divided Times

• Thank you to everyone who attended and assisted the Teaching Academy’s Fall Retreat on Friday, October 3.
• Peter Van Kan (Faculty Co-Chair of the Academy) and John Zumbrunnen (Interim Provost & Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs) provided a welcome and introduced the topic.
• Together, over 160 people (in person and online) engaged the panel with questions and vigorous discussion about challenges to building connections in work or teaching and strategies for bringing people together.
• Note: To allow for candid conversation on a sensitive topic, this event was not recorded.

Explore the Retreat Resources

• Create a new copy of the participant guide
• View the Introductory Slides
• View the Main Slides
• Share ideas in the Crowdsourced Resources document

Panelists

• Dan Kapust, Judith Hicks Stiehm Professor of Political Science, Faculty Director of the L&S Honors Program
• Lynn Glueck, Program Director, The Discussion Project & the UW-Madison Deliberation Dinners
• Carol Spoehr, PhD Candidate, Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education
• Travis Wright, Faculty Director, Morgridge Center for Public Service & Associate Professor, Counseling Psychology

Questions about the Retreat?
Contact Dan Pell dan.pell@wisc.edu

Workshop for Planners of Continuing Education for Clinicians

• Tuesday, 9 December, 3:30-5 pm, G5/152 Clinical Sciences Center (CSC) | REGISTER
• The UW-Madison Interprofessional Continuing Education Partnership (UW-Madison ICEP) offers “Planning with Artificial Intelligence, Teaching with Integrity: Strategies for Continuing Education Planner.” This in-person workshop develops continuing education planning skills using practical artificial intelligence prompts for all aspects of educational design, including documenting practice gaps and learning needs, writing measurable objectives, and mitigating bias and conflict of interest.

UWSMPH Education Scholarship Retreat

• Wednesday, 29 October, noon–4:30 pm, Health Sciences Learning Center | REGISTER
• The Office for Faculty Affairs and Development offers Education Scholarship Retreat. This annual event explores topics in education scholarship and provides an opportunity to learn, network, ask questions, and share experiences. This year a keynote speaker will address generative artificial intelligence—a theme that will be carried across other sessions.

Clinical Teacher Learning Community

• Articles for Discussion
  Participate in discussion of articles featured in the Clinical Teacher Learning Community. Topics include learner assessment, precision education, serious games, and medical education and artificial intelligence. This online community also offers connections, news, and resources for clinical teachers. | LEARN MORE
• Courses | Education Essentials
  Education Essentials is a collection of 7 modules aimed at developing key skills for all interprofessional health science teachers, in various teaching settings. Registration is free and these courses can be completed at your own pace. | REGISTER
• Funding Opportunity
  Letters of Intent DUE: Monday, 1 December | LEARN MORE & APPLY
• The Society for Academic Continuing Medical Education (SACME) issued the call for proposals for the Phil R. Manning Research Award in Continuing Professional Development. Funding up to $50,000 is available over two years for research projects addressing topics important to the field of continuing professional development/continuing education of healthcare professionals.
• Explore
  • Clinical Teacher Learning Community
  • SMPH Faculty Central
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education (UW CIPE)
• Questions? Topics you would like to see? Announcements for the next issue?
  Contact Marianna Shershneva marianna.shershneva@wisc.edu

Searching for Academic Staff & Graduate Co-Chairs

The Executive Committee (ExComm) of the Teaching Academy seeks to fill multiple leadership positions:

• Graduate Student (FFP) Executive Committee Members
• Faculty Executive Committee Member

The UW-Madison Teaching Academy Executive Committee is composed of elected Fellows and Future Faculty Partners who actively work towards the betterment of teaching and learning. Academic Staff and Faculty are typically chosen from existing members of the ExComm. Graduate Students may join as an FFP and directly take the position of Co-Chair.|LEARN MORE

Questions? Interested in applying?
Contact the ExCommteachingacademy@wisc.edu

Now is the perfect time to honor a colleague or nominate yourself!

For over 30 years, the Academy’s mission has been to promote, recognize and support excellence in teaching and learning among faculty, staff and students across campus and beyond. The Teaching Academy welcomes nominees who work in traditional classrooms, clinical practice, field instruction, or instructional support.

There are three types of membership: Future Faculty Partner (FFP), Fellow, and Clinical Affiliate.

Learn how to become a Member.

Questions about membership? Are you an FFP who has moved on to another position in the University?
Contact uwta-membership@g-groups.wisc.edu

Fall and Winter Retreats

Join the Retreat Planning Committee to organize & facilitate campus-wide teaching development events.
Contact Dan Pell dan.pell@wisc.edu

Members+ Events

The Members+ Committee seeking Fellows who are interested in organizing one-per-semester roundtable discussions among members and guests on issues surrounding teaching & learning.
Contact Claire Barrett claire.barrett@wisc.edu

Newsletter

Have ideas or events to contribute? Want to add someone to the mailing list?
Contact Sarah Pultorak & Dan Pell editor-uwta-newsletter@g-groups.wisc.edu

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee seeks Fellows (Faculty & Academic Staff) and FFPs to help review nominations. Honor great campus educators & promote excellence by helping to review nominations.
Contact uwta-membership@g-groups.wisc.edu

U-CLaSS

Take part in U-CLaSS sessions to explore teaching and learning from the student perspective.
Contact jamie.henke@wisc.edu