Faculty at College of Western Idaho (CWI) participated in annual professional development workshops and Center for Teaching and Learning’s Innovation in Action awards ceremony March 5 – 12. The 2021 professional development theme focused on creating safe learning spaces and connecting with students.
Participants had the pleasure of hearing from keynote speaker, Adrienne Evans, of United Vision for Idaho, who engaged faculty in a conversation on how to help students maintain curiosity in a time of perceived cultural and political divisions. The conversation was followed by an opportunity for faculty to hear from the CWI Latinx community leaders, learn why pronouns matter in the creation of a more inclusive environment for the LBGTQ+ community, and set goals for implementing ideas learned over the week into their classrooms.
“The sessions encourage timely, critical discussion of ways for CWI faculty to engage with and support our diverse student body in a time of division and misinformation,” Joy Palmer, English Department Chair and Associate Professor.
The event culminated with the annual Innovation in Action awards presentation, which celebrates the rich contributions faculty make within our classrooms and communities.
2021 Innovation in Action Winners
- Scholarship of Research: Heather Schoenherr, Social Sciences for "Research + Appreciation = Student Success"
- Scholarship of Application: Stephanie Ritchie Breach, Public Safety for "George Floyd, Mass Incarceration, and Racial Inequalities in the Criminal Justice System"
- Scholarship of Integrative Learning: John Rosato, Physical Sciences for "Using Artificial Intelligence as a Tool to Develop Research Skills"
- Scholarship of Teaching and Learning: Janel Holt, Modern Languages for "'Under Eight' Videos"
Congratulations to the School of Social Sciences and Public Affairs for winning the overall Innovation in Action award for the second year in a row!
The Center for Teaching and Learning wants to thank all of the presenters, panelists, and participants for a great week of learning.
