We found 347 results that contain "instructors"

With our guiding principles for remote teaching as flexibility, generosity, and transparency, we know that there is no one solution for assessment that will meet all faculty and student needs. From this perspective, the primary concern should be assessing how well students have achieved the key learning objectives and determining what objectives are still unmet. It may be necessary to modify the nature of the exam to allow for the differences of the remote environment. This document, written for any instructor who typically administers an end-of semester high-stakes final exam, addresses how best to make those modifications.
 
Check out the full resource here, and read more about the three primary alternatives to a semester-end final:
1) Multiple lower-stakes assessments (most preferred)2) Open note exams (preferred)3) Online proctored exams (if absolutely necessary) 
 

The following is a list of the educators receiving the #iteachmsu Educator Award from Other Educator Units. For more information on these awards, check out the article entitled "#iteachmsu Educator Awards".
The Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (formerly Hub for Innovation in Learning and Technology)
Dave Goodrich: Dave has been at the core of Spartan QM and Quality Matters quality initiative, and authored the primary report summarizing the quality initiative undertaken by the Provost and MSU IT during the pandemic to ensure our online courses all had an opportunity to receive peer review. His collaboration with IT, Library, and EDLI on Quality Matters adoption will help us carry forward peer review and faculty training as key strategies going forward, with a solid grounding in evidence based practices. In addition to these efforts, Dave continues to be a willing colleague who steps in to share expertise and time when demand arises. Plus he has the winningest external mics!…The planning and facilitation committee for the Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit has continued to invaluablely contribute to shaping the ways MSU thinks about, supports, and recognizes educators. Through thoughtful synchronous activities to active engagement as a team, multiple modality asynchronous opportunities, and working collaboratively to generate outcomes from our charge, this group has been getting it done! I'm grateful to have fellow educators and colleagues like them to work with!…This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Summer Issawi: Summer volunteered multiple times to facilitate workshops in online teaching which were vital to MSU's pivot to remote learning and served as a Spartan QM peer review process coach. Summer also worked on numerous learning experience design projects this year to help clients complete redesigns, often including a greater digital component because of the pandemic. Summer is a kind and considerate colleague who goes out of her way to check in with others and kindle/maintain interpersonal relationships despite remote work environments. 
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The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
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This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Jay Loftus: Jay Loftus helped MSU prepare for a return to in-person instruction by modifying ASPIRE into a blended teaching primer that is designed to help faculty make choices about what portions of a course ought to be taught face to face vs. in a distance learning modality. This was important as we attempted to maximize in-person experiences for quality while preserving gains in digital activities made during the pandemic.Jay provides a really valuable perspective to ongoing conversations about educator development, and his willingness to collaborate with others is invaluable.
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The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
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This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Angie Martin: Angie has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to enable the distribution of faculty and staff incentives for commissioned works, peer-review facilitation, and participation in special faculty development during the pandemic. Angie has also been critical to the startup of MSU's Science Gallery and Apple Developer Academy initiatives. Angie is a great example of the expanded definition of "educator". Her efforts to help others navigate the context of MSU successfully - through multiple and ongoing transitions- has been so valued. 
Rashad Muhammad: Rashad volunteered multiple times to facilitate workshops in online teaching which were vital to MSU's pivot to remote learning and served as a Spartan QM peer review process coach. Rashad also worked on a sweeping inventory of educational technology tools and gathered metrics on their increased use during the pandemic, culminating in the Mapping the Ed Tech Landscape report. He has continued to prove himself invaluable in the ongoing development of iteach.msu.edu as MSU matains external developer relationships, and is a refreshing alternative perspective in many conversations. Plus he has great music recommendations!
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The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
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This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Michael Lockett: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
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This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Alicia Jenner: Alicia volunteered multiple times to facilitate workshops in online teaching which were vital to MSU's pivot to remote learning and served as a Spartan QM peer review process coach. Alicia also worked on mapping of the online student experience, and has helped the graduate school with our student onboarding process. The work she has done and continues to do surrounding online.msu.edu is almost as astounding as her commitment to improving student experiences at MSU. Alicia is kind and generous- always helping our team feel like a work family despite not being in a shared space. 
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The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
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This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Jerry Rhead: Jerry has volunteered to facilitate Spartan QM course review groups and has reviewed much of our advice for online faculty before publication. Jerry also has volunteered to serve on the lifelong learning committee and 60 year curriculum group. He is a wonderful colleague with the best way of explaining ideas so people understand. He cares deeply about his work as well as the people he works with. MSU is lucky to have him!
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The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
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This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Brendan Guenther: Brendan has been instrumental in the multiple transitions the Hub team has undergone since last summer. His leadership and expertise are extremely valuable in the multiple initiatives led by the OPM team, in addition to keeping some semblance of "normal" despite working remotely and layers of uncertainty. He has been a great advocate for the team in rooms where they do not have a voice (management) and is truly invested in supporting educators to make MSU the best learning and working experience possible. 
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The planning and facilitation committee for the Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit has continued to invaluablely contribute to shaping the ways MSU thinks about, supports, and recognizes educators. Through thoughtful synchronous activities to active engagement as a team, multiple modality asynchronous opportunities, and working collaboratively to generate outcomes from our charge, this group has been getting it done! I'm grateful to have fellow educators and colleagues like them to work with!
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This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Makena Neal: Just had to send a note to affirm one of the many roles you play on CTLI meetings. Higher ed literature [and other disciplines] talk about the importance of members of a team who focuses on the emotional aspects of working together – being aware of saying thank you, monitoring “temperature” of members of the group around certain issues or the ebb/flow of life in general, considering how different ideas may be understood within and outside the group. You exemplify what the literature talks about more than I have typically ever seen and just wanted to give a shout out about that. It’s exceptional and very beneficial to all.
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This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Ellie Louson: Just had to send a note to affirm one of the many roles you play on CTLI meetings. Higher ed literature [and other disciplines] talk about the importance of members of a team who focuses on the emotional aspects of working together – being aware of saying thank you, monitoring “temperature” of members of the group around certain issues or the ebb/flow of life in general, considering how different ideas may be understood within and outside the group. You exemplify what the literature talks about more than I have typically ever seen and just wanted to give a shout out about that. It’s exceptional and very beneficial to all.
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The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
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This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
 
Provost Communications
Kelly Mazurkiewicz: Kelly has been a critical resource in organizing the Keep Teaching website, the primary magnet of advice and policy dissemination during MSU's remote pivot. She also has planned and composed periodic announcements that have been critical to keeping instructors informed and equipped with actionable advice in rapidly changing times. Kelly has also been a key asset in the launch and promotion of #iteachmsu. Additionally, Kelly shows up in a pinch - when colleagues need quick insights or feedback on ideas, she is always there (which for a person in her position and demand is astounding). She is accessible, down-to-earth, and a wealth of knowledge. MSU is lucky to have an educator like her, helping us think through best ways to build community and advance initiatives through storytelling. 
Erica Venton: Erica has been a key asset in promoting the #iteachmsu Commons, working with spreading work about fellowships and opportunities for faculty development, and in communicating the excellent work of our exemplary educators working with Catalyst grants and fellowships. Erica has also helped improve the student experience for online students. She brings a level of enthusiasm to her work, and campus generally, that is unmatched!
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The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
 
Office for Enrollment Management and Academic Strategic Planning
Ashely Braman: During our pivot to remote teaching, Ashley organized many groups and did lots of thankless work behind the scenes to gather information and resources for the Keep Teaching Site, the teams working on SOIREE, ASPIRE, and the Blended Teaching Primer. Logistically she helped ensure faculty knew how and where to participate and made sure that stipends and awards that were earned by educators were given their due recognition and made it to the recipient. In addition, she maintained composure under difficult circumstances and still continues to be a resource and grounding source for colleagues. …This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Emilio Esposito: Emilio has helped with multiple learning research projects, including the startup of the Apple Developer Academy and has assisted colleagues with data analytics and survey research using the Hub Toolkit. Emilio also agreed to take on the role of project mentor for a Hub Graduate Fellow and has proven to be a thoughtful guide and collaborator for the students working on his projects. He continues to juggle lingering Hub projects despite transitioning unit affiliations.
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This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
 
Center for Integrative Studies in General Science
Stephen Thomas: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
 
Institutional Diversity and Inclusion (IDI)
 Patti Stewart: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
 
Kognito 4 Education
Sheila Marquardt: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
 
MSU Libraries
Sarah Miller: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit! 
Terri Miller: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit! 
Rachel Minkin: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit! 
Ben Oberdick: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit! 
Jessica Sender: The planning and facilitation committee for the Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit has continued to invaluably contribute to shaping the ways MSU thinks about, supports, and recognizes educators. Through thoughtful synchronous activities to active engagement as a team, multiple modality asynchronous opportunities, and working collaboratively to generate outcomes from our charge, this group has been getting it done! I'm grateful to have fellow educators and colleagues like them to work with!
Abraham (Abe) Wheeler: Abe is always so helpful and detailed with his responses to questions. He is great to work with and usually has suggestions and alternatives for issues and challenges related to digital resources, copyright, and tools.
 
MOASIC (Multicultural Unity Center)
Maggie Chen-Hernandez: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
 
MSU IT Services
Jason Beaudin: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
Nick Noel: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
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Nick is my pedagogical go-to/expert! Knowing how technology works is one thing, and being able to explain it and use it to keep courses engaged is a true art and Nick does it so effortlessly. How it started: classroom support, How it's going: instructional technology and development; every organization needs a Nick! Any time Nick needs me to assist with a document or a live training session, I'm there; he's one of my teachers here at MSU. Keep us learning, and thank you!
 
Office for Faculty and Academic Staff Development (OFASD)
Marilyn Amey: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
 
Omsbudsperson’s Office
Shannon Burton: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
 
Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD)
Leslie Johnson: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
 
The Graduate School
Stefanie Baier: The planning and facilitation committee for the Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit has continued to invaluably contribute to shaping the ways MSU thinks about, supports, and recognizes educators. Through thoughtful synchronous activities to active engagement as a team, multiple modality asynchronous opportunities, and working collaboratively to generate outcomes from our charge, this group has been getting it done! I'm grateful to have fellow educators and colleagues like them to work with!
Hima Rawal: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
 
University Outreach and Engagement (UOE)
Diane Doberneck: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
 
WorkLife Office (WLO)
Jaimie Hutchison: The last two years have taxed and tested us all in more ways than we could possibly have projected. Jaimie has worked far beyond the scope of her roles and responsibilities to address countless needs that have emerged during this time - building connections among campus members around identities we often don't hold up like caregiver and single parent; providing regular information and outreach that has guided so many to campus and off-campus resources of value; reminding us through her efforts that our lives comprise more than job tasks and need to be an important focus if we are to feel at all effective in our university roles; and always sharing her brightness, care, and hope in everything she does. As an educator, Jaimie models what we aspire to be as lifelong learners engaged with and supportive of each other, regardless of how we "show up" across the university.
 
Apple Developer Academy
Sarah Gretter: Sarah was the founding educator in MSU's iOS Design Lab, and worked closely with Apple to extend the curriculum to better serve cross functional design teams. She was vital in successfully transferring this program to the College of Arts and Letters prior to moving to Detroit to serve as the founding Director of the Apple Design Academy in Detroit. During her time "on campus", Sarah proved to be an outstanding leader and mentor - especially for her fellow women-identifying colleagues. Apple Design Academy is LUCKY to have her at the helm.
…
This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Anyone can recognize a fellow Spartan for their contributions to MSU's teaching and learning mission or for how they made a lasting impression on your experience. All you have to do is click "Thank an Educator" in the left panel of iteach.msu.edu. From there you'll see a short form where you can enter the name, netID, and a short story of the educator you'd like to recognize.

This week, we are featuring Jennifer “Jeno” Rivera, who up until the start of 2023 has been an associate professor in the Department of Community Sustainability and the director of the Bailey Scholars Program. Starting Jan. 1, 2023, Jeno will serve as Michigan State University’s new director for the Institute for Agricultural Technology (IAT. Jeno was recognized via iteach.msu.edu's Thank and Educator Initiative! We encourage MSU community members to nominate high-impact Spartan educators (via our Thank an Educator initiative) regularly!
Read more about Jeno’s perspectives below. #iteachmsu's questions are bolded below, followed by their responses! 

You were recognized via the Thank an Educator Initiative. In one word, what does being an educator mean to you?  
Educate 
What does this word/quality looks like in your practice? Have your ideas on this changed over time? If so how?
I believe educators carry the responsibility to educate others. This could be done by teaching; providing interactive experiences, resources, stories; modeling; mentoring; etc. My ideas have not changed that much overtime. Many moons ago I would have just said “teach” without much thought to multiple ways of learning.
Tell us more about your educational “setting.” This can include, but not limited to departmental affiliations, community connections, co-instructors, and students. (AKA, where do you work?)
I have a unique role on campus that I created to foster my interests and develop my strengths. I am the director of the CANR Liberty Hyde Bailey Scholars Program where I get to explore self-directed integrated learning. I am faculty in the CANR department of Community Sustainability and an instructor in the RCAH where I educate others about community engagement. I like to play in the spaces where art and agriculture come together by focusing on the human and social dimensions of AFNR.I believe a lot of these problems can be solved by developing lifelong learners who are educated to create solutions.
What is a challenge you experience in your educator role? Any particular “solutions” or “best practices” you’ve found that help you support student success at the university despite/in the face of this?
A challenge I face is helping students take ownership of their learning and develop a purpose to guide their learning experiences. I have a lot of students who are the “tell me what to do so I can pass your class” students. I hope that by the end of the semester they have developed some of the skill set to determine what they need to do to be successful and to continue learning to align to their purpose (and not align to a job or degree). This is super challenging (but a fun challenge). 
What are practices you utilize that help you feel successful as an educator?
Checking in- I frequently check in with my learners to make sure that they learning experience is going well for all. I also check in with myself. If I feel that I have developed a lesson that is not meeting the learning goals in the way that I had envisions- I question this. I ask why? and how?  a lot. I also reflect on learning by learning with and from my colleagues. I am now shy to seek out guidance from my peers when something is not going well. I think we can all improve.
What topics or ideas about teaching and learning would you like to see discussed on the iteach.msu.edu platform? Why do you think this conversation is needed at MSU?
What faculty can do to enhance student success. This is a missed opportunity to meet the student success goals set established in goals such as the MSU 2030 Strategic Plan. If we think about who students interact with the most during the day, it is their professors. There is so much that we do (or don’t do) that can affect students’ success. However, we are provided little guidance on how to best do this (beyond making a more inclusive syllabus and learning goals). Think about whole student development- academic success is just one piece of a large picture and should not be the only focus.
What are you looking forward to (or excited to be a part of) next semester?
I am transitioning. I think we all need the opportunity to grow and develop so I am transitioning to a position that will let me do just that. I am hoping that I will develop better skills and abilities to be an effective administrator of educational experiences. Sometime when we stay in something too comfortable we miss opportunities to change and create something new.

Don't forget to celebrate individuals you see making a difference in teaching, learning, or student success at MSU with #iteachmsu's Thank an Educator initiative. You might just see them appear in the next feature!

This week, we are featuring Alexis Black, Assistant Professor in the Department of Theatre.  Alexis was recognized via iteach.msu.edu's Thank and Educator Initiative! We encourage MSU community members to nominate high-impact Spartan educators (via our Thank an Educator form) regularly!
Read more about Alexis’ perspectives below. #iteachmsu's questions are bolded below, followed by their responses!

You were recognized via the Thank an Educator Initiative. In one word, what does being an educator mean to you? 
Inspiration!
What does this word/quality look like in your practice? Have your ideas on this changed over time? If so, how?
I love inspiring theatre students and instilling confidence by finding their sense of play, and I love empowering individuals to use their unique voices to share whatever inspires them. I love finding new practices through my research and creative activities, and bringing these practices to the classroom to re-inspire these artists who are the future of our profession. I believe learning and growing are an ongoing process that includes always taking in what is around us—which is literally what it is to “inspire”— to breathe in.  As students, teachers and artists we must be taking in and absorbing as much as we can, and be truly present to how each new inspiration changes us and our art. What each student does with each moment of inspiration is unique, and that individuality and creativity in turn inspires me right back! 
Tell me more about your educational “setting.” This can include, but not limited to departmental affiliations, community connections, co-instructors, and students. (AKA, where do you work?)
I work in the Theatre Department at Michigan State University with our talented and driven cohort of MFA-candidate Artist-Educators, and our amazing undergraduate theatre students. I am extremely proud to work alongside so many collaborative, compassionate and innovative artists, students and educators.  
What is a challenge you experience in your educator role? Any particular “solutions” or “best practices” you’ve found that help you support student success at the university despite/in the face of this?
I have found the understandable rise of anxiety and depression a challenge for students to pair with often emotionally vulnerable work in the theatrical classroom. I have experienced more success in supporting students in this area due to focus on self-care and closure practices I have gained through professional trainings and research, and incorporating more playful, creative ways into the work has been beneficial as well. I discovered that telling the story of an emotion through physical movements (rather than creating a psychological connection) can be incredibly freeing for students in relation to mental and emotional health. Our bodies are truly instruments for storytelling in this profession; Incorporating powerful ways to keep our instruments confidently and safely “tuned,” and finding skills to use our instruments both fully and with care, can help to nurture the resilient and empowered actors of tomorrow.  
What are practices you utilize that help you feel successful as an educator?
I practice mindful communicative practices that encourage presence, active listening and support of individuality, such as conversations about boundaries before physical touch, check-ins, ensemble-building exercises, discussions on the relationship between comfort and growth as an artist, and projects that encourage empathy through collaborative creation. I find continuing to work professionally artist and remaining a student myself through ongoing professional trainings in my area of expertise to lead to many of my successes as an educator—immersing myself in contemporary practices and productions keeps a connection for my students to the theatre of today and tomorrow.  I also find an intentional emphasis on ownership over their work and their process as artists to be a successful way to hand off the reigns on their work—I am an introductory guide, but they must forge their own path.  If they can leave the classroom with a toolkit they can both use and individualize, I feel I have been a successful educator.
What are you looking forward to (or excited to be a part of) next semester?
In Fall 2022 I will be teaching the graduate MFA students about extreme physical storytelling, including staged violence and staged intimacy. It’s vital to foster consent-forward and trauma-informed educators and artists to join the workforce in the theatre industry, and especially at the graduate level in the department of theatre as our MFA students are training both as artists and educators. 


Don't forget to celebrate individuals you see making a difference in teaching, learning, or student success at MSU with #iteachmsu's Thank an Educator initiative. You might just see them appear in the next feature!

The Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation aims to support educators across MSU's ecosystem with a "library" of student-facing surveys for collecting formative feedback, checking in with learners, and setting the tone for your learning experience. Google Forms can be used to design anonymous surveys, providing long-form or multiple-choice questions, basic Likert-scale answer keys, and basic statistical data. CTLI Student Feedback (google drive folder) offers pre-made forms to reduce barriers to educator use. Additional information about putting these forms into practice can be found on iteach.msu.edu. Existing forms for duplication currently include:

mid-semester feedback
post-crisis check-in 
pre-semester technology and access
group agreements (for in-class group work)*
pre-semester accessibility needs/preferences
weekly student check-ins (example 1 and 2)

*not anonymous  
CTLI’s survey templates require some edits and modification.
Users of the Google Form are asked to Copy the Google Form to their own Google Drive (while logged in with their MSU credentials) so that the form and collected data is owned by the user. 
Instructions for copying a Google Form from the "survey library":

Right click on the CTLI Google Form you’d like to send to your students. Click Make a Copy.
Open your copy of the Google Form and review the instructions embedded in the Google Form itself. Please review the survey headers and descriptions in their entirety. The Google survey templates are built in a way that the instructor can quickly and easily update the information to individualize it to their course.
When you have completed your edits, click the Send button in the right-hand corner of the Google Form. To maintain anonymity, please ensure that the “Automatically collect respondent's Michigan State University email address” checkbox is unchecked.

For the Group Contract Form, anonymity is unnecessary. 


Select the link or the HTML embed link as options to send your survey. Please note that sending the survey via email will deanonymize the survey. 


Please direct questions on process or access to Makena Neal. 
Photo by Philip Strong on Unsplash

This week, we are featuring Makena Neal (she/them), PhD, one of the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation's educational developers! Makena was recognized via iteach.msu.edu's Thank and Educator Initiative! We encourage MSU community members to nominate high-impact Spartan educators (via our Thank an Educator initiative) regularly!
Read more about Makena’s perspectives below. #iteachmsu's questions are bolded below, followed by their responses! 


You were recognized via the Thank an Educator Initiative. In one word, what does being an educator mean to you?  
Praxis 
What does this word/quality looks like in your practice? Have your ideas on this changed over time? If so how?
When I think about being an educator, I also think of being a lifelong learner. I really like the word “praxis” because it can describe so many things when it comes to teaching and learning. As an educator, I see my role as designing and facilitating learning experiences in ways that engage participants in reflection and meaning making. Praxis for me is moving beyond content, to the application of that new content in one's everyday life. Because each learner’s positionality and experiences are unique, the ways they could practically employ new information in their life is also unique. My role as an educator is to intentionally build space and opportunities for learners to engage in this practice. 
Praxis also connects directly to my on-going growth and development as an educator. As I seek out opportunities to learn new skills and information, interact with new individuals in the Educator Network, and collaborate across new spaces… I too must engage in a practice of reflection and meaning making. My own praxis as an educational developer means intentionally connecting new knowledge with what I already know, and using that knowledge collectively to engage in the practice of educator development. 
Here are some definitions of/ideas about praxis from other scholars that resonate with me:

Paulo Freire (1972, p. 52) described praxis as “reflection and action upon the world in order to transform it”.
Ortrun Zuber-Skerritt (2001, p.15) defines praxis as “The interdependence and integration – not separation – of theory and practice, research and development, thought and action.”
Five assumptions about knowledge and knowing that underpins praxis (White, 2007):

Knowledge/knowing is inherently social and collective
Knowledge/knowing is always highly contextual
Singular forms of knowledge/knowing (e.g. empirical or experiential) are insufficient for informing complex, holistic practices like [youth, family work and community work)
Different knowledges/ways of knowing are equally valid in particular contexts
Knowledge is made, not discovered. (p. 226)


My ideas around who “counts” as an educator and a knower, what teaching and learning is and where it can [and does] happen, have all shifted drastically over my years at MSU. I credit my learning and experiences in MSU’s Liberty Hyde Bailey Scholars Program (both as an undergraduate and a graduate fellow) as a catalyst for the changes in my perspectives. Followed by my doctoral research in the Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education program at MSU (specifically the mentorship of my committee- Drs. Marilyn Amey, John Drikx, Steve Weiland, and Diane Doberneck) I am very proud of the work I now do to advocate for and serve a broadly defined and intentionally inclusive community of educators in my role. 
Tell us more about your educational “setting.” This can include, but not limited to departmental affiliations, community connections, co-instructors, and students. (AKA, where do you work?)
I am an educational developer with MSU’s Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (CTLI). I focus on efforts and initiatives that recenter teaching and learning for Spartans by advancing MSU’s culture toward recognition and support for all educators. I take a hands-on approach to collaboration, and enjoy working across a variety of units on campus. A lot of really wonderful educator work happens at MSU, and I am dedicated to advancing aligned educator development in our decentralized spaces by cultivating and continually engaging in MSU Educator Network.

Director of CTLI’s Graduate Fellowship experience with Dr. Ellie Louson
#iteachmsu Commons Champion and Coach
Founder of the Thank an Educator initiative
Lead on CTLI’s Affiliates program
Author of the Educator Development Competency Framework with Maddie Shellgren

What is a challenge you experience in your educator role?
There are two challenges that I’ve experienced as an educator, regardless of my formal role. 

Ground-level buy-in to the broad definition of educator… we can intentionally build offerings and lead experiences for an inclusive group of folx at MSU, but if people don’t identify with the “educator” nomenclature, they won’t show up.
Capacity… I always want to do more, but need to navigate my own professional development, my life’s other roles and responsibilities, and the scope of CTLI. 

Any particular “solutions” or “best practices” you’ve found that help you support student success at the university despite/in the face of this? What are practices you utilize that help you feel successful as an educator?
Working with individuals to highlight their impacts on the teaching and learning, outreach, and/or student success missions of the university WHILE engaging positional leadership in similar efforts can help. This is one of the reasons I’m very proud of the Thank an Educator Initiative, and connected #iteachmsu Educator Awards. We established the Thank an Educator initiative and are recognizing those individuals with the #iteachmsu Educator Awards to:1. help demonstrate the diversity of educators across roles on campus2. celebrate the amazing individuals we have shaping the learning experiences and success of students on our campus. 3. help individuals associate their name/work with “educator” and embrace their educator identity
What topics or ideas about teaching and learning would you like to see discussed on the iteach.msu.edu platform? Why do you think this conversation is needed at MSU?
I am always looking for ways to integrate core teaching & learning best practices into the ways we design and facilitate offerings and experiences. One example of this would be to not limit ourselves to “one-off” programs on diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and  belonging (DEIJB)- but to integrate DEIJB into all our work and model some ways educators can think, apply, reflect DEIJB in their contexts. 
I would also encourage educators to use the iteach.msu.edu platform as a way to engage in on-going dialogue about your practices. The functionality of the platform exists to support educators in sharing ideas and resources, connecting across roles, and growing in their practice. It is a space built for educators, by educators- theoretically this is awesome, but practically this means the site can only be what people make it; can only serve as a place for resources and ideas if educators share their resources and ideas. What are you looking forward to (or excited to be a part of) next semester?
The 2023-24 academic year will be the first full year with a fully established CTLI. I’m very excited to be moving into a year of fully articulated core offerings and experiences with my colleagues. All of this along with a new CTLI Director and a physical space in the MSU Library!
References:
Freire, P. (1972). Pedagogy of the oppressed. Penguin.
White, J. (2007). Knowing, Doing and Being in Context: A Praxis-oriented Approach to Child and Youth Care. Child & Youth Care Forum, 36(5), 225-244. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-007-9043-1  
Zuber-Skerritt, O. (2001). Action learning and action research: paradigm, praxis and programs. In S. Sankara, B. Dick, & R. Passfield (Eds.), Effective change management through action research and action learning: Concepts, perspectives, processes and applications (pp. 1-20). Southern Cross University Press, Lismore, Australia. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/23a6/89ad465ddfe212d08e4db3becca58bdbf784.pdf  

Don't forget to celebrate individuals you see making a difference in teaching, learning, or student success at MSU with #iteachmsu's Thank an Educator initiative. You might just see them appear in the next feature! 

This week, we are featuring Hui-Ling Malone, Assistant Professor of English Education.  Dr. Malone was recognized via iteach.msu.edu's Thank and Educator Initiative! We encourage MSU community members to nominate high-impact Spartan educators (via our Thank an Educator form) regularly!
Read more about Hui-Ling’s perspectives below. #iteachmsu's questions are bolded below, followed by their responses!

You were recognized via the Thank an Educator Initiative. In one word, what does being an educator mean to you? 
Connection. 
Share with me what this word/quality looks like in your practice?
At the end of the day teaching is about sharing with each other, learning from one another and seeing ourselves in others. It is about creating a community willing to engage in content that helps us think deeply about the world around us. It is the willingness to be vulnerable, which as Brene Brown helped us understand, creates connection. 
Have your ideas on this changed over time? if so how?
I’ve taught in several communities that ranged in different age groups, racial backgrounds, socio economic status, religion, language, etc. I’ve learned that teaching is deeply relational, and one does not learn and grow in an environment where they don’t feel safe enough to take risks and thrive.
Tell me more about your educational “setting.” This can include, but not limited to departmental affiliations, community connections, co-instructors, and students. (Aka, where do you work?)
I am a Visiting English Education professor in the English Department. Most of my students plan on being secondary English teachers. It’s exciting and a great privilege to teach the next generation that will teach the next generation! :) I also include community members such as activists, artists, and young leaders to visit and co-teach my class. As a teacher educator, I want my students to know that they are not alone in their pursuit of educational equity and encourage them to build with others outside of their classrooms.
What is a challenge you experience in your educator role?
Throughout this pandemic many of my students have encountered personal challenges, such as loss, illness and maintaining their emotional and mental wellness. 
Any particular “solutions” or “best practices” you’ve found that help you support student success at the university despite/in the face of this?
I encourage my students to communicate with me when they need additional support. I also allow students to zoom in, as some are immunocompromised or want to protect the elderly and vulnerable who are in their close circle. I think this pandemic has taught me to be flexible and to remain as inclusive as possible for all my students.
What are practices you utilize that help you feel successful as an educator?
As much as possible, I try to maintain my own personal health and wellness. I practice self care so that I am in a place to show up for my students. I value communication, transparency and make an effort to create a classroom environment where everyone feels valued, safe and excited to participate! Also, I don’t lecture. It’s never been my style. As much as possible, I provide opportunities for students to teach each other and activities that are experiential and prime for reflection and connection.
What topics or ideas about teaching and learning would you like to see discussed on the iteach.msu.edu platform? Why do you think this conversation is needed at msu? 
I’m relatively new to MSU (I started as faculty in Fall 2020) and understand that there are so many incredible educators who are doing great work. Unfortunately, due to the nature of our work and the pandemic, I’ve been a bit isolated. I’d love for this page to showcase the work educators are doing to learn and connect with others across campus. 
I also know that there is so much going on in the world and see that it is important for us to engage in difficult but necessary conversations around race, identity, the political climate, etc. Perhaps there can be a space to showcase what conversations our classrooms are having and how they can be productive.
What are you looking forward to (or excited to be a part of) next semester?
I’m excited to keep learning from and building with my colleagues and students!

Don't forget to celebrate individuals you see making a difference in teaching, learning, or student success at MSU with #iteachmsu's Thank an Educator initiative. You might just see them appear in the next feature!

D2L Templates
Along your journey towards the start of a new semester you will encounter a crossroads decision: Do you create a new course site from scratch and populate it with previous or familiar materials? Or, should you take the path of the tried and tested? The latter is far more effective, and in a lot of cases, it is the path least traveled. Many instructors and developers are not familiar with the extremely valuable and helpful template resources available within D2L.
Using The D2L Course Templates

Go to https://d2l.msu.edu/d2l/home/1339707 - This is a shell template that you will you to populate your own course site. Notice that this template is consistent throughout. You will be able to modify this once you have copied this template into your course site. It is important to highlight and point out that this template contains all of the policy statements and links for technical assistance. This template conforms to the Quality Matters course design standards. For this reason instructors are encouraged to use this template for building their courses.
Go to your course shell or the course which you are building.
Go to the ‘Course Admin’ tab
Look for the link to ‘Import / Export / Copy Components’ 

  
5. Select the ‘Copy Components from another Org Unit’. Uncheck the ‘Include protected resources’ if checked. Select ‘Search for offering’ (See below).
        6. In the ‘Search for offering’ search textbox, search for ‘template’. You will see the following as one of the options.
Select the radio button for the ‘Course Design Model - V3 Templates’. Then select ‘Add Selected’.
       7. Select ‘Copy All Components’ (see below)       8. Your newly copied template should be within your course shell and look like the image below.
 
This template contains:

A Getting Started section to add an introduction for your course.
A syllabus section with links to MSU policy statements.
Thirteen modules to edit and modify for your course.


Editing the Course Template
Now that you have imported the course template into your course shell, it is time to add content and make this course your own. There are several things you can do within D2L to make your course more appealing. One key feature within D2L are the templates for pages you build to present your content. Outlined below are the steps to using the course page templates within D2L.

Jazzing Up Your Course Using D2L Templates


Select ‘Create a File’ (See below)

     2. Enter a title for the file (page) you are going to create. Next, choose the ‘Select a Document Template’ drop down        menu. Look at the options and see the previews before selecting the ‘Save and Close’ option.
The templates are very clean looking in appearance. More importantly, these templates include the MSU digital branding standards and color scheme. You can make modifications to these pages. However, it is recommended to stick to the templates and use the formatting that is embedded within the page. You may encounter some challenges with modification of the accordion or tabs pages if you require more spaces for your content. Thankfully, there are lots of resources to help you when you encounter these issues.

Watch Sue Halick’s presentation on using the D2L templates
https://mediaspace.msu.edu/media/D2L+Content+Templates+for+Consistent+Course+Design+%2808.04.22%29/1_g7em6knt