New Faculty Jumpstart Guide

Welcome to CSS!

This website offers help on many aspects of teaching. This page is just an orientation to help you get started on Role 1 in the diagram: Instructor.

The diagram was created by a CTLA team member (Amy Nelson) from research on skills subject-matter-experts need to be effective instructors. You'll see that Current Subject Matter Knowledge is one competency area. (You couldn't teach without this, right?!) But what makes you an effective instructor is much more involved than the diagram shows. Your personal characteristics are central to your success, and likely another reason you are here.

Learn more about the diagram here.

How To

Kimberly J Hale, Faculty Success Coach [@facultysuccesscoach]. (2024, July 30). Essential Teaching Tips for New College Faculty. (14:56)This video shares expert advice on:

How to embrace your unique teaching style and perspective
Making the most of your university's teaching and learning center
Managing your time effectively as a new instructor
Implementing active learning strategies in your classroom
Creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment
Seeking and using student feedback to improve your teaching

Getting Started

Watch the video to the left. It has great tips!
Review the Adjunct Faculty Toolkit

Know your tech

CSS is a Google school. Learn the basics of Drive, Email, and Calendar.
CSS uses Zoom. Learn the basics.
Get to know our LMS: Brightspace. Video (20m) (Slides)

Part 1: Navigate the Brightspace environment.
Part 2: Get your course ready for students. Start at slide 26, timestamp 10:34.

Teaching face-to-face? Know your room's technology.

Strategies for Effective Teaching

Make the most of the first day of class
Facilitate active learning.
- - Are you teaching online, blended, hybrid, or hyflex courses? Engage in regular and substantive interaction with students. See the CSS Policy and RSI Instructor Resource Document for guidance.
Lead & facilitate discussions.
Communicate with students (Slides) (Video 9m).

Grading, Feedback, and Student Progress

Learn the best ways to grade in Brightspace.
Provide feedback
Monitor student progress.
Submit Academic Progress Reports (APR) or a CARE Reports.
Submit Grades.

Additional Resources

Explore this site! The Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (CTLA) provides these resources to develop faculty expertise in teaching, learning, and assessment. You can search this site by clicking the magnifying glass in the upper right corner of any page. Open any document by hovering over it and clicking the arrow icon in the top/right corner.
Contact us! We are here to help with teaching, assessment, tech, and more. Two faculty Liaisons support each school. Contact one.

Page updated

Report abuse