Teaching Exchange Symposium: Fostering Community and Celebrating the Joy of Teaching

The inaugural Teaching Exchange Symposium recently brought together educators from across the University of Arizona in a celebration of teaching that left participants both inspired and motivated. Held over two days, the symposium successfully created a space where the teaching community could connect, share ideas, and renew their sense of purpose.

Building Bridges Across Disciplines

One of the symposium's primary achievements was addressing a common challenge in higher education: the isolation of faculty and instructors within their departmental silos. At UofA, where educators are spread across multiple colleges and departments, opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration are often limited. The symposium intentionally bridged this gap by creating a forum where educators could engage in meaningful dialogue across traditional boundaries.

The event offered a diverse array of interdisciplinary sessions that encouraged participants to explore unfamiliar topics and connect with colleagues they might not otherwise encounter. This interdisciplinary approach not only broadened horizons but also fostered a sense of community that transcended departmental divisions.

A Celebration of Teaching

The joy of teaching emerged as the symposium's underlying theme, permeating every aspect of the event. As hundreds of participants gathered in the Student Union ballroom, the atmosphere was charged with positive energy and enthusiasm. Lisa Elfring set the tone with an inspiring opening message that resonated with all instructors present.

The concurrent sessions that followed offered something for everyone, covering topics that ranged from practical teaching strategies to innovative approaches:

• Sparking grit and growth in students
• Teaching professional writing effectively
• Incorporating play into classroom learning
• Exploring AR/VR applications in education
• Leveraging educational technology tools like Feedback Fruits

Collaborative Learning Through World Cafe

The afternoon followed with an inspiring World Cafe session, where participants gathered to discuss trending topics such as Technology and AI Integration and Professional Growth and Well Being. The creative exchange inspired powerful dialogue and deep conversation where participants shared insights and generated takeaways to use in their teaching. This interactive format encouraged educators to learn from each other's experiences and perspectives, creating a rich collaborative learning environment.

Creating Lasting Connections

Perhaps the most valuable outcome of the symposium was not just the knowledge shared but the connections formed. By bringing together educators who rarely have opportunities to collaborate, the event laid the groundwork for ongoing dialogue and partnership across the university.

The symposium fulfilled its mission of celebrating the teaching community while providing meaningful opportunities for professional growth. By cultivating a sense of purpose and joy in teaching, the event has helped strengthen UofA's learning community and established what will hopefully become a cherished tradition for years to come.

As the university continues to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education, events like the Teaching Exchange Symposium will play a crucial role in maintaining a vibrant, connected, and innovative teaching community dedicated to student success.