It is critical to register for the program so we can best assure there will be sufficient sections and seating in the classes during the semester in which you plan to enroll.

1. Fill out the online registration form (log in with your HawkID and password).
2. Complete the Background Information and Plan of Study sections.
3. Print the registration form page (Ctrl + P) and select “Save as PDF” for your advisor’s signature.(You can also print out hard copy for signatures.)
4. Click ‘Submit’ to complete the electronic form.
5. Using “fill & sign” in PDF, please get your and your academic advisor’s e-signatures. (If you printed out a hard copy, please get signatures on the hard copy.)
6. Please submit the pdf file to ogte@uiowa.edu. (If you printed out a hard copy, please scan the signed form and send the file to ogte@uiowa.edu.)
7. If you have any questions, please let us know at ogte@uiowa.edu.

Coursework

Graduate students begin the program by taking course work on college teaching. This course work provides an overview of basic instructional issues and methods in college teaching (e.g., lecture, leading discussions, assessment) and asks for discipline-specific thinking from students as they consider their own teaching situations. (Minimum of 6 s.h. required)

At least one of the following courses must be taken:

• EDTL/EPLS/GRAD/RCE/PSQF:7385 Teaching and Learning in Higher Education 3 s.h.
• GRAD/PSQF:6217 Seminar in College Teaching 3 s.h.
• SOC:7010 Teaching Sociology 3 s.h.
• EPID:7200 Teaching in Epidemiology 3 s.h.
• PSQF:6205 Design of Instruction 3 s.h.
• RHET:5352 Seminar: Topics in Teaching and Professional Development

One of the following courses may be taken:

• JMC:5600 Teaching Media Writing, Production, and Design (must complete the series of three, 5-week, 1-credit courses to count)
• PSQF:6203 Tools & Representations in Learning 3 s.h.
• PSQF:6211 Universal Design and Accessibility for Online Learning 3 s.h.
• PSQF:6214 Design of Learning Environments 3 s.h.
• PSQF:6215 Online Instruction: Design and Facilitation 3 s.h.
• PSQF:6216 Tools and Utilities for Online Teaching 3 s.h.
• PSQF:6417 Introduction to Postsecondary STEM Teaching 
• RHET:7940 Public Speaking for Academics 3 s.h.

Required Teaching

Students are required to enroll in and complete two practicum courses (Practicum in College Teaching) under faculty supervision. Students take practicum courses under the guidance of two different professors (in College of Education or in other colleges at the University of Iowa) to be eligible for the certificate. Previous teaching assistant experience will not waive this requirement. (Minimum of 3 s.h. required) Please download practicum guidelines and instructions (word or PDF).

• When enrolling in a practicum course supervised by a College of Education faculty member:
  • EDTL/EPLS/RCE/PSQF: 7380 Practicum in College Teaching (1 - 3 s.h.)
• When enrolling in a practicum course supervised by a faculty member in a college other than education:
  • GRAD: 7400 Practicum in College Teaching (1 - 3 s.h.)

To further enrich your practicum experience, students are invited to meet with an educational developer to discuss their teaching plans, observations, and experiences, and explore specific strategies to improve their teaching practice. To do so, please email Dr. Sara Nasrollahian at sara-nasrollahian@uiowa.edu.

Required Portfolio

Finally, students will develop a portfolio that demonstrates their skills and competencies in teaching, research and service. The portfolio requires sample syllabi, a statement of teaching philosophy, samples of assignments and student work, and reflective essays on critical issues in teaching in higher education. A full portfolio will contain all course materials developed while teaching as a graduate student as well as outlines of scholarly presentations and service. Students are encouraged to keep samples of student work (kept with permission and made anonymous for the portfolio) that illustrate a range of responses to a particular assignment. Summaries of course evaluations and faculty evaluations, if made available to the student, also need to be included. Additionally, students should maintain a list of publications, presentations, and service done for their department of record so as to fully demonstrate their potential as future faculty.

• EALL:7475 ePortfolio in College Teaching 3 s.h. 

Please make sure that you did registration (Step 1) when you started the certificate course work. You need to be enrolled in the certificate program to do this completion process. If you have any questions, please let us know at ogte@uiowa.edu.

Following completion of these requirements:

1. Download and print the Certificate of Completion
2. Fill in the courses that you have completed.
3. Attach an unofficial transcript.
4. Obtain your advisor’s signature.
5. Return the Certificate of Completion form and your unofficial transcript to the Office of Graduate Teaching Excellence.

Upon approval by the Advisory Committee of the Office of Graduate Teaching Excellence, the Graduate Certificate in College Teaching will be awarded by the Graduate College. A notation will be added to the student’s transcript at the time of certificate completion, providing an official record of the student’s accomplishments when the student seeks employment. A certificate from the Graduate College will be mailed to the student upon graduation.