Upcoming Faculty Development Opportunities

Looking for the entire Professional Learning Calendar?
Visit https://apply.nscc.edu/portal/ProLearning.

Friday, February 7
12 pm – 12:50 pm
AI, AI, Oh… (L, E, A, D, S, CRTP)

Presentation
Artificial Intelligence has impacted our approaches to education. In this presentation, we will discover types of AI-resistant assignments that are more resistant to academic dishonesty in the age of AI and discover types of AI-inclusive assignments that use AI tools during the creation of assignments.
Presenter: Amy Bryant, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, and Director, The Teaching Center
Register for this presentation
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025

Tuesday, February 11
11 am
TBR Season 2– “Tech Talk Tuesday – Bridging Mind and Machines: Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning”

AI in Action: Crafting Learning Outcomes and Assessments with AI
Join TBR for an engaging and interactive, hands-on session where you’ll draft learning outcomes (competency statements) that support a comprehensive assessment strategy—in just one hour! Using AI tools, we’ll demonstrate practical strategies to jumpstart content creation while ensuring inclusivity, engagement, and academic integrity. Come ready to engage and leave with actionable insights!
Registration will be open until 1 hour before each session.  Participants will be sent the Teams Meeting invite after registration.
Tech Talk Tuesday Registration Form

Wednesday, February 12 and Thursday, February 13
Cengage Empowered Educator Conference 

Reaching Today’s Learner: Impactful Teaching Practices in Higher Ed
Cengage’s annual 2025 virtual Empowered Educator conference will bring higher ed instructors together to share and discuss evidence-based, game-changing teaching and learning approaches that impact student success. This year’s event is all about exploring and implementing teaching practices that resonate with today’s students. We’ll cover everything from assessment to collaboration.

The sessions will motivate and equip you with transformative teaching approaches, new instructional models and innovative learning technologies, like GenAI, to achieve better student learning outcomes.

Evolving college teaching approaches can be central to achieving better results for today’s learners. Join to discover fresh ways to ignite learning for your students ― as well as connect with and learn from your peers.

There is no cost to attend this event.

Registration Link

Friday, February 14
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 three and four 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 14
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 5: Getting Unstuck and Chapter 6: Defying Gravity. 
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 14
12 pm – 12:50 pm
How to Foster a Growth Mindset in Students (L, E, A, D, S, CRTP)
Panel Discussion
Panelists: Jessica Rabb, Devora Manier, Zach Mills, Laura Burridge, and Kassidy Schmidt
Register for this panel discussion
Zoom Passcode: Spring2025

Wednesday, February 19
1 pm 
TBR High Impact Practices (HIPs) Connection Call
HIPs 101: What Are HIPs, How Do They Work, & Are You Already Doing Them?
Presenters: Gracie Rossie (WSCC), Chris Rowland (TCAT Jackson), Elvira Eivazova (CoSCC), Carol Swayze (MTSU), and Karen Russell (TSU)
Teams

Friday, February 21
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 five and six 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 21
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 7: Every Child Gets Ahead and Chapter 8: Mining for Gold. 
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 21
10:30 am – 12 pm
Pioneering and Forecasted AI Use Cases in Advising, Career Services, and Student Success – Zoom
This session delves into the cutting-edge of AI, showcasing pioneering use cases and forecasting future applications. We’ll explore how AI can optimize student success through personalized learning pathways, streamlined processes, and data-driven decision making. Responsible implementation and ethical practices will be central to the conversation, ensuring AI fosters student engagement, retention, and a thriving academic environment.
Register to attend this session virtually
Zoom Passcode: AISession3

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.

Based on this presentation description, please consider submitting a question that you would like Dr. Greathouse to answer. Questions are being accepted through February 14.

Presenter: Dr. Justin Greathouse
Register for this presentation
Zoom 

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 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
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
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