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Friday, February 28
8 am
How stereotypes affect us (and our students) and what we can do: Whistling Vivaldi Professional Learning Community (L, E, D, S)
Professional Learning Community
“What is an “identity contingency?” How are we influenced by “stereotype threats?”
Join us this spring for a professional learning community (PLC) where we will discuss Whistling Vivaldi, by Claude M. Steele (an Issues of Our Time book). We will learn why the author believes stereotype threats are “a standard predicament of life,” and, more importantly, we will learn about and discuss the influence of stereotypes on identity and performance and how we can work to reduce the strength and influence of stereotype threats.
Please read chapters seven and eight for this PLC session.
A limited number of books will be available for PLC participants.
Presenter: Harlan Pease, Associate Professor of Communication Studies and English, and Fellow, The Teaching Center
Register for this professional learning community
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, February 28
9 am
PLC Hidden Potential
Professional Learning Community
This Professional Learning Community (PLC) is dedicated to exploring the insights and principles from Adam Grant’s Hidden Potential. To prepare for this session, please read Chapter 9: Diamonds in the Rough and Epilogue and Reflection
Moderators: Neely Ann Sheucraft, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, Fellow, The Teaching Center; and Amy Bryant, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, and Director, The Teaching Center
Register for this Professional Learning Community
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, February 28
10 am – 11:30 am
Empowering Faculty with AI: Innovation, Ethics, and Implementation
Presentation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming higher education, offering innovative tools that can enhance teaching, learning, and engagement. In this presentation, we will explore practical applications of AI in course design and delivery, including AI-powered tutoring, video creation, music generation, instructional design, and voiceover technology. We will demonstrate how these tools can streamline workflow, personalize learning experiences, and foster creativity in teaching while maintaining academic integrity. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for ethical implementation and data privacy protection to ensure responsible use of AI in the classroom. Whether you are new to AI or already familiar with its capabilities, this session will provide actionable strategies to harness the power of AI while safeguarding student and faculty data.
Presenter: Dr. Justin Greathouse
Register for this presentation
Zoom Passcode: RnJ3qs4u
Friday, February 28
10 am
TBR High Impact Practices Connection Call
HIPs 201: Introduction to Learning Mindset Strategies
Presenters: Jennifer Thayer (APSU), Jonathan Brigner (ChSCC), Nicole Neely (TCAT Pulaski), Deidra Rogers (ETSU), and Jessica Mills (WSCC)
Zoom
Friday, February 28
12 pm – 12:50 pm
The Power of Collaborative Learning: How working together can help students to learn more effectively
Panel Discussion
Panelists: Leda Longwood, Jessica Rabb, Zach Mills, and Dr. Shane McCoy
Register for this panel discussion
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Wednesday, March 5
2 pm
TBR High Impact Practices Connection Call
HIPs 301: Navigating Culture Shock: First-Year, First-Gen, and Education Abroad
Presenters: Emily Naff (NSCC), Cynthia Elliott (SWTCC), Audie Black (TSU), Carrie McCleese (TSU), and Amber Sullivan (VSCC)
Zoom
Friday, March 7
9 am – 9:25 am
Stretch, Breathe, and Survive: Desk-Friendly Relaxation for Midterm Grading (S)
Open Forum
Feeling the midterm grading crunch? Take a break with Stretch, Breathe, and Survive, a quick and refreshing session designed to help you release tension, improve focus, and reset your energy—all from your desk! Join us for simple stretches, guided breathing, and relaxation techniques to stay refreshed and stress-free during this busy season.
Register for this open forum
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, March 7
10 am – 10:50 am
Using AI Ethically (for students) Sandbox
Workshop
Bring your ideas and assignments for communicating to students HOW to use AI ethically in your course. Let’s brainstorm and create a policy or activity to teach students how we want them to use this tool, so we prepare them for appropriate use of this tool.
Presenter: Kurstin Bush Asst. Prof. of Education and Teaching Center Fellow
Register for this workshop
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, March 21
11 am
How my perception has changed: What I have learned this semester as an educator (E,A,S,CRTP)
Panel Discussion
Join us as Zoe shares her insightful journey, detailing the evolution of her perspectives on curricular design, classroom management, and teaching since he embarked on her student teaching role in the OTA program.
Moderators: Piper Sesnan, OTD, OTR, OTA Program Director, Teaching Center Fellow, and Zoe Tanner, COTA, MSOT/S current fieldwork student here with the NSCC OTA Program
Register for this panel discussion
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, March 21
11 am
TBR High Impact Practices Connection Call
HIPs 401: Infusing Growth Mindset into HIPs
Presenters: Jessica Rabb (NSCC) and Tabetha Garman (NoSCC)
Zoom
Friday, March 21
12 pm – 12:50 pm
Using Technology to Enhance Student Learning and Engagement (L, E, A, D, S, CRTP)
Panel Discussion
Panelists: Devora Manier, Zach Mills, and Rachel Lewis
Register for this panel discussion
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, March 28
9 am – 9:50 am
Teaching in 7-week Terms – Strategies for Success
Panel Discussion
Panelists: Doug Godwin, Jesmin Akther, Zach Mills, Michelle Bowen
Register for this panel discussion
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, March 28
10:30 am – 12 pm
From Blank Page to Masterpiece: AI-Powered Creative Exploration (writing, research, and creativity) – Zoom
AI is transforming the way we approach writing, research, and creative projects. This session dives deep into the world of AI writing assistants, research tools, and creative generators to support and supplement writing skills. You’ll learn how AI can enhance your writing, accelerate research, and spark new artistic ideas. Prepare to experiment with popular platforms and unleash your creativity with AI-powered tools.
Register to attend this session virtually
Zoom Passcode: AISession4
Tuesday, April 8
11 am
TBR High Impact Practices Connection Call
HIPs 501: Communicating About HIPs to Students, Staff, and External Partners
Presenters: Stuart Lenig (CoSCC), Sergei Markov (APSU), Angie Wood (ChSCC), Sharon Grigsby (CoSCC), and Iris Johnson (TSU)
Zoom
Friday, April 11
9 am -9:25 am
Follow-up Session for Implementing Old School Techniques into the Classroom
Open Forum
In this follow-up session, we will share our experiences implementing these strategies, discuss challenges, and explore ways to enhance effectiveness.
Moderators: Jessica Rabb, PhD, Professor of Biology and Piper Sesnan, OTD, OTR, Assistant Professor and NSCC OTA Program Director, Fellow Teaching Center
Register for this open forum
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025
Friday, April 11
11 am
TBR High Impact Practices Connection Call
HIPs 601: Implementing Technology Tools Across the Curriculum
Presenters: Parish Akin (SWTCC), Maria Smith (TCAT Dickson), and Brooks Ziegler (PSTCC)
Teams
Friday, April 18
9 am – 10:15 am
It Might Get Better: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students (L,E,A,D,S,CRTP)
Presentation
The intended audience for this presentation would be faculty and staff who are interested in learning more about how to support LGBTQIA+ students in their classrooms. Given the impact of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation in Tennessee (and throughout the U.S.), it is imperative for allies of LGBTQIA+ students to understand the impact of a hostile political environment. Through the lens of trauma-informed principles, I offer faculty and staff a utilitarian framework for assisting LGBTQIA+ students both within and outside their classrooms.
Presenter: Dr. Shane A. McCoy, Instructor of English
Register for this presentation
Zoom Passcode Spring2025
Friday, April 18
10:30 am – 12 pm
AI and Accessibility: Ensuring Inclusive Education in the AI Era – Zoom
AI has the potential to revolutionize education, but ensuring accessibility is paramount. This session explores how AI can empower all learners while identifying potential biases and barriers. We’ll delve into accessible design principles and frameworks, empowering you to ensure no student is left behind in the AI era. Engage in hands-on exercises, group discussions, and connect with peers to build a network for accessible and inclusive AI implementation.
Register to attend this session virtually
Zoom Passcode: AISession5