Introducing Faculty to How People Learn

March 9, 2026 - March 10, 2026 | 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m

Event Type: Intensive learning experience
Location: Virtual (via D2L and Microsoft Teams)
Facilitators: Dr. Misty Grayer, Senior Teaching and Learning Consultant for VITAL Faculty and CETL Team

The Teaching Academy for Part-Time Faculty is a two-day virtual learning experience offered during spring break. It introduces part-time faculty to research-based principles from the 2nd edition of How Learning Works and teaching strategies that foster deep learning in our students. The academy includes synchronous sessions (everyone logged in at the same time), asynchronous module activities, discussion boards, and personal reflection exercises. 

Topics include:

  • How students’ identities and stages of development shape learning
  • How students’ prior knowledge influences learning
  • How the organization of knowledge influences learning
  • How motivation affects and sustains learning
  • How students develop mastery
  • How practice and feedback enhance learning
  • How course climate shapes learning and performance
  • How students become self-directed learners 

  • Please ensure you are available to participate fully on March 9 and 10, 2026 fromat 8:00 am – 5:00 pm each day. 

    Monday, March 9

    • Opening Session (synchronous)
    • Modules 1 – 4 (asynchronous)
    • Check-in Sessions (synchronous) 

    Tuesday, March 10

    • Modules 5 – 8 (asynchronous)
    • Check-in Sessions (synchronous)
    • Closing Session (synchronous) 

    Participants will also receive a copy of the book, How Learning Works, and are encouraged to review the book prior to the Teaching Academy. 

  • Applications are due by Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Selected participants will be notified by early to mid-February
  • Participants who successfully complete all required components of the Teaching Academy -including, but not limited to, virtual synchronous sessions, asynchronous module activities, discussion boards, and personal reflection exercises - will receive $750 in additional pay (disbursed in April). 
    More information about the Teaching Academy requirements will be provided to successful applicants. 

  • Funding is competitive and applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:

    • Teaching philosophy
    • Motivation to attend
    • Foreseeable gains in the applicant's teaching practice

  • Successful applicants must meet the following criteria:

    • You must be an active part-time faculty at Kennesaw State University both at the time of the application and during the dates of the Teaching Academy (March 9-10, 2026).
    • You must be a first-time participant/attendee* in the Teaching Academy.
    • You must be available to participate virtually on Monday, March 9 and Tuesday, March 10 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

    *This year, past participants who are active part-time faculty may apply to serve as peer mentors during the Teaching Academy. Peer mentors will support their colleagues during the Teaching Academy, engage in synchronous and asynchronous sessions, facilitate discussion boards, and submit personal reflection exercises. Peer mentors will also receive $750 in additional pay.  Those interested in serving as a peer mentor should contact CETL at cetl@kennesaw.edu for more information. 

  • The Faculty Development Committee reviews applications as part of a competitive application process. A limited number of participants are selected on the basis of their teaching philosophy, their motivation to attend, and the foreseeable gains in their teaching practice. Accepted applicants will be sent instructions for joining and participating in the academy one week prior to the event. 

    Please notify your supervisor/chair/director of your intent to apply for this academy. Once you apply through the InfoReady application, they will receive an email prompting them to approve your application for review and confirming your eligibility.