Every. Individual. Counts.
Upon acceptance into the St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) community, we make a promise to foster that person, to provide opportunities they can use to grow and succeed. Whether new student, faculty, staff or administrator, we make this promise to every individual in our community. It doesn’t matter where they came from, or what they look like, or what they’ve done before. What matters is what they do here.
Instruction, redefined.
Everyone can learn new things. Learning happens all around campus (and off campus too!), in both formal and informal settings. From traditional faculty to coaches and peer mentors, instruction at SMCM happens around the clock, in and out of the classroom. We all have something to offer and we all have something new to learn.
Welcome to the Center for Inclusive Teaching & Learning (CITL)!
Our work at SMCM is anchored by instructional excellence responsive to students’ needs. The Center for Inclusive Teaching & Learning (CITL) at SMCM strives to support all instructors in our SMCM community with professional development opportunities that can help them grow as leaders—and collaborators—in the classroom. Our approach to classroom inclusivity blends evidence-based practices with context-dependent strategies and resources. Research shows that inclusive teaching leads to better outcomes for every learner.
What does that mean for you? We’re here to help you achieve your instructional goals, whether you wish to brainstorm a new course assignment, get feedback on your teaching, locate the latest instructional resources, or meet like-minded people on campus. You don’t have to work alone. Let’s figure it out together!
Signature Events
3I Conference
SMCM’s annual teaching and learning conference, the Inclusive and Innovative Instruction (3I) Conference, is held in August, usually 2-3 weeks before the semester begins. Held over 4 days (Monday-Thursday), it features outside speakers, hands-on workshops, and opportunities for SMCM instructors to showcase their pedagogical work.
Course (re)Design Retreat
Offered in the second half of May, CITL’s course (re)Design retreat is an opportunity to work on curricular design with a group of supportive colleagues and CITL staff. The retreat is usually held for 4 days and is meant to be flexible to fit instructor needs. Some sessions may specifically support recent campus initiatives or projects (e.g. digital accessibility or alternative grading systems), but the retreat welcomes any instructor who wants to work on designing a new course or redesigning an existing course. We have the capacity to support individual instructors with personal goal setting and structured time for learning, writing, and feedback.
Thank A Teacher Week
CITL participates in National Teacher Appreciation Week by sponsoring a postcard campaign for the SMCM community. Everyone is invited to fill out a postcard to thank someone at SMCM for their help during the academic year. Teaching and learning happen all around campus, both inside and outside of the classroom. Whether it’s instructors, supervisors, coaches, support staff or peers, it’s a great time to show our appreciation for each other. Keep an eye out for announcements and drop-off sites in April each year.
Curriculum Innovation Grant
CITL invites SMCM instructors to apply for Curriculum Innovation Grants during the Spring semester. These grants are generously funded by Foundation donors and are separate from SMCM Faculty Development funds. It focuses specifically on developing innovative curriculum for classes at SMCM. We define innovation in this context as changes to the structure, content, methods and/or pedagogical approaches of a course, in order to better meet the needs of student learning.
CITL Semester Programming
CITL also creates training and certificate opportunities that may be done at the instructor’s own pace. Topics often come from a combination of instructor interest and institutional support needs. Elements within these opportunities are a combination of asynchronous online, hybrid online/in-person or (in rare cases) in-person only.
Self-Paced Training and Certificates
Everyone can learn new things. Learning happens all around campus (and off campus too!), in both formal and informal settings. From traditional faculty to coaches and peer mentors, instruction at SMCM happens around the clock, in and out of the classroom. We all have something to offer and we all have something new to learn.
Services
Research shows that inclusive teaching leads to better outcomes for every learner. What does that mean for you? We’re here to help you achieve your instructional goals, whether you wish to brainstorm a new course assignment, get feedback on your teaching, locate the latest instructional resources, or meet like-minded people on campus. You don’t have to work alone.
Consultations
Have a question about teaching and learning? We can help! CITL staff are able to guide you to get answers about teaching approaches, education research projects, faculty job searching, and tenure/promotion processes, curriculum mapping and assessment practices. If we don’t know the answer, we will help you find someone who does. Send us an email and let’s get the conversation started!
Classroom Observations
CITL staff can also perform classroom visits and perform observations using vetted, peer-reviewed protocols for instructors who desire formative feedback about their teaching. Want to learn how to do classroom observations yourself? CITL can help with that as well!
Departmental support
CITL staff can also help with departmental conversations around teaching and learning. We are willing to join department meetings or retreats for informative presentations, facilitation of discussions, and help with consensus-building.
Resources
CITL physical space
Housed in the Hilda C. Landers Library, CITL is a space that welcomes you to seek help or just find a new place to work on campus. Our cafe area is open for instructors to grab a cup of coffee or tea, raid the fridge for a soda or water, and have the ability to work quietly or meet with colleagues. The CITL seminar room may be booked for teaching and learning related meetings and retreats.
CITL Collection (Library)
With the help of the Library, CITL curates a selection of books and ebooks that are available for instructors to browse and/or check out. Titles include a range of teaching and learning topics, as well as literature supporting inclusivity and lived experiences of marginalized groups. Instructors at all stages will find titles to support their career growth, from new faculty to new department chairs and administrators.
CITL’s Cabinet of Curiosities
Looking to jump-start a discussion? Do a different activity with your class? CITL has a growing collection of resources available for instructors to borrow, including educational games, experiential learning exercises, discussion cards, and more!
CITL Newsletter
Along with posting events on InsideSMCM and this website, CITL produces a newsletter a few times a year to communicate upcoming events and important information for SMCM instructors. It’s a great way to keep informed!
