UNL is a member of the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) Network, which means that all graduate students and postdocs have access to teaching training and resources through the CIRTL Network.
This includes MOOCs, workshops, and courses through the CIRTL website as well as workshops, learning communities, and other opportunities on campus. Students also have the opportunity to earn certifications that demonstrate their commitment to teaching that can be included on a CV.
To earn CIRTL@Nebraska Associate Certification, graduate students are required to submit the following:
- Teaching Philosophy
Write and submit a one-page teaching philosophy. - Learning Community/Course
Fully participate/receive a passing grade in at least ONE local learning community/course related to diversity, learning science, or effective instruction. The learning community accompanying the free, 8-week, online course (Intro to Evidence-Based Undergrad STEM Teaching) MOOC offered by CIRTL on EdX.org is highly recommended, but you can opt for another CIRTL online course or another CIRTL learning community at UNL. - Workshops
Participate in at least four workshops. You may participate both in cross-network and on-campus workshops to complete this requirement. Additional teaching courses or more extensive teaching training opportunities such as the Institute for International Teaching Assistants may also count towards these workshops as well, with prior approval. After completing four or more workshops, generate a 1–2-page reflective memo about the experience that addresses the three CIRTL core ideas. - Classroom Experience
After you have completed the coursework and workshop requirements, you have two options.
- Observe TWO class periods led by two different instructors and, in light of your knowledge about the CIRTL core ideas, complete CIRTL Instructor Evaluation Forms and write a reflective memo to assess the experience.
OR - Participate in the Teaching Development Program (TDP) offered by Graduate Studies. This includes a short phone interview, a classroom observation by a teaching consultant, mid-semester feedback from your students, a follow-up consultation, and generating a reflective memo to assess the experience. Having a formal teaching assignment is strongly recommended for completing this option.