Teaching & Learning Innovation strives to support faculty by offering collaboration networks and development programming to better equip instructional staff with the skills and tools needed to provide enriching learning experiences for students.
Cultivating Excellence in Teaching (CET) Grant
Teaching & Learning Innovation proudly announces the Cultivating Excellence in Teaching (CET) Grant, an initiative designed to support departments to enhance teaching excellence by focusing on one or more of UTK’s four Teaching Principles:
- Clarity in design and communication of course content, policies, and standards
- Approachability, empathy, and respect for all students
- Engaging and student-centered classroom teaching
- Reflective improvement of teaching practice and content knowledge
Through the CET Grant, we invite departments or colleges to propose innovative projects that reinforce these core tenets within their spheres. Grant recipients are expected to design and implement department-wide initiatives or strategies that change the culture around teaching.
Faculty Innovator & Pathfinder Awards
We are proud to recognize 15 faculty members as recipients of the Faculty Innovator & Pathfinder Awards. This award honors those who demonstrate innovative teaching practices at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. As part of the award, each recipient participates in an interview and submits a teaching-related document—such as a syllabus, assessment, or lesson plan—reflecting their innovative teaching approach.
SoTL Finish Line Award
Beginning in the fall of 2024, TLI offers a new flexible program supporting “last mile” work on studies in college-level teaching and learning. If you have already secured IRB approval, collected your data, and maybe begun your analysis, this program is for you!
The program provides funding for those who want to complete their study by writing a manuscript for a peer-reviewed journal article. To complete the program, you’ll write your manuscript across the academic year and submit it to a peer-reviewed journal by June 1, 2025. Funding is based on completing a series of custom deadlines, or “mile markers,” tailored to your study, and if these mile markers are complete, you will receive $1000 in January 2025 and a further $1000 in June 2025.
Volunteer Faculty Launchpad (VFL)
VFL invites new-to-UT faculty to participate in a year-long experience of professional growth and camaraderie. As a participant, you will be part of an exclusive cohort that connects you with two fellow new-to-UT faculty members and pairs your trio with an experienced UT faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching. Through VFL, faculty members will:
- Receive guidance from accomplished mentors
- Collaborate closely with peers to celebrate successes and discuss challenges
- Gain access to resources tailored to elevate your pedagogical skills
- Earn recognition for your commitment via stipends totaling $1,000