CIRTL Levels and Pathways

Choose a unique pathway to teaching excellence

As a local chapter, we provide unique professional development opportunities specifically designed for the Wildcat community. Unlike many other institutions, we offer multiple pathways to achieve Practitioner Level. This is because we believe that teaching-as-research comes in many forms and is not a one-size-fits-all project. We also offer the accelerated Pathway Program for post-docs. 

Benefits of Participating 

• Network with graduate students, postdocs, and faculty across CIRTL
• Attend local and cross-network events, workshops, and courses
• Learn evidence-based teaching practices and how to articulate them
• Develop teaching-as-research (TAR) projects for potential publication or dissertation chapters
• Earn certificates to enhance your portfolio and CV
• Build valuable communication skills
• Mentor new students or teach network classes in the future

Certification Levels

Earn Associate, Practitioner, or Scholar recognition through progressive workshops, courses, classroom research, and published teaching work—with digital credentials and certificates for your portfolio.

Associate Level 1- Describe & Recognize

Participation at this level focuses on establishing a strong foundation in teaching & learning by participating in 3 professional development activities. By the end of this level, our members can talk about teaching, recognize themes from the field of teaching and learning, and bring insights back to their classroom(s). Reaching this level takes 1-2 semesters and requires meeting with the CIRTL team once a semester to discuss your goals and interests.

CIRTL Associates:

1. Take a course on college teaching
2. Join a Faculty Learning Community (FLC)
3. Participate in a workshop on the CIRTL network
4. Submit a reflection about their learning on Brightspace

Practitioner Level 2- Engage

Participation at this level involves training in teaching-as-research (TAR), or learning to ask and answer questions about teaching and student learning. Participants can either complete a teaching-as-research (TAR) or writing-across-the-curriculum (WAC) project, design a short-term co-teaching project with a teaching mentor, or complete the Certificate in College Teaching (CCT). Completing this level takes an additional 1-2 semesters.

CIRTL Practitioners (select 1 option):

• Option A: Teaching-as-Research (TAR) Seminar (IA699)
• Option B: Teaching Writing Across the Curriculum Seminar (IA699)
• Option C: Co-Teaching Independent Study (IA699)
• Submit a teaching philosophy statement aligned with CIRTL's 3 core values

Scholar Level 3- Advance & Disseminate

At this level, you will enter the community of teacher-scholars by sharing your teaching with a public audience either through 1) a publication on a blog, journal, or website; or 2) a conference presentation, poster, or workshop. We will help you identify a publication or conference and help you generate ideas and/or prepare your manuscript.

In addition to receiving a letter of congratulations, our CIRTL scholars are recognized in the CIRTL@Arizona newsletter and invited to network with other CIRTL scholars.

CIRTL Postdoc Pathways Program

The CIRTL Postdoc Pathways Program is an accelerated, one-year teaching preparation certificate combining evidence-based training with hands-on teaching experience. This "just-in-time, just-enough" approach allows postdocs to gain valuable teaching credentials while managing their research responsibilities.

Apply to the Pathways Program

Program Impact

• 62 fellows completing the program from 38 disciplines
• 58 faculty serving as teaching mentors
• Graduates securing positions at research institutions, liberal arts colleges, primarily undergraduate institutions, community colleges, industry, and government

Program Structure

• Program Timeline: September - May each year
• Recruitment: Begins in August
• Eligibility: All U of A postdoctoral scholars

The CIRTL Postdoc Pathways Program follows a two-semester structure:

Fall Semester (Prep & Plan)

Time commitment: 1-2 hours per week

• Take the 8-week online CIRTL course, "An Introduction to Evidence-Based Undergraduate STEM Teaching"
• Participate in a weekly learning community with other postdoc fellows
• Work with the CIRTL team to identify and select a suitable faculty teaching mentor
• Develop a collaborative co-teaching plan with your mentor for the following semester
• Submit your co-teaching plan for CIRTL approval

Spring Semester (Teach & Reflect)

Time commitment: 7-10 hours per week during co-teaching (plus planning/reflection)

• Co-teach for 3-4 weeks with your faculty mentor on a specific unit or module
• Continue participating in the weekly learning community
• Keep a weekly journal documenting teaching experiences, successes, and areas for improvement
• Prepare and deliver lessons, assess student work, and handle teaching-related responsibilities
• Meet weekly with your teaching mentor to discuss course-related topics
• Complete a final learning portfolio with post-partnership reflection

Flex Component

• Take an additional CIRTL workshop or course of your choice (can be completed during either semester)

Benefits

For Postdocs

• Learn and apply evidence-based teaching strategies
• Develop practical skills in syllabus design, lesson planning, teaching delivery, and student interaction
• Build connections with teaching-focused postdocs across campus
• Enhance communication abilities
• Receive support for professional job materials

For Faculty Teaching Mentors

• Mentor postdoctoral scholars and share teaching insights
• Gain experience with co-teaching methods
• Receive formal recognition letter from CIRTL for professional development and service
• Have your course featured on CIRTL platforms

Testimonials