Faculty Institute and Learning Program

Calendar

Overview

The SBCTC Faculty Institute & Learning Program is a professional learning program for new tenure track faculty in Washington’s community and technical colleges system. It is designed to support faculty as they grow into their roles across the Washington CTC system through structured learning, reflection, and connection to systemwide goals and communities.

Across Washington’s community and technical colleges, our shared mission is to support every student in reaching their educational and career goals. Through teaching, guidance, and course design faculty play a central role in shaping student outcomes, and structured professional learning supports faculty in developing effective, inclusive, and engaging learning environments.

Program Learning Outcomes

Faculty participants will be able to:

  • Connect their faculty role to Washington CTC system priorities, student success, accessibility, Guided Pathways, and the needs of diverse learners. 
  • Apply adult learning principles, inclusive teaching practices, and evidence-based active learning strategies in their teaching context. 
  • Use self-assessment and reflection to create a first-year professional learning plan. 
  • Engage in mentorship, coaching, or a faculty learning community to test, reflect on, and improve teaching practice over time. 
  • Share their learning and growth through a culminating reflection or practice-sharing experience.

Overview
The SBCTC Faculty Learning Institute is a day-and-a-half, in-person experience designed to support faculty who are new to their roles within Washington’s community and technical college system (with a focus on tenure track faculty). Participants are introduced to the Washington CTC system, the students we serve, and core teaching practices that support engagement, learning, and student success.

Timing & Format
Timing: Sept 3-4, 2026
Format: In-person
Schedule (program structure): Day 1 (9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.) and Day 2 (9:00 a.m.–noon)

What you’ll do during the Institute
During the Institute, participants explore evidence-based teaching and active learning, pathway-aligned instruction, expectations for online teaching (regular and substantive interaction), and emerging topics such as teaching with AI. The Institute also connects faculty to ongoing supports including unions, professional development opportunities, ACUE coursework, and faculty learning community options.

Registration
To register yourself or your faculty, go to this registration page. Registration closes August 7, 2026.

Who is the Institute for?
The Institute is designed to support faculty who are new to their roles within Washington’s community and technical college system, with a focus on tenure track faculty.

When does the Institute take place?
The Faculty Learning Institute is scheduled in early September, as a day-and-a-half experience. We know that this time might be off contract at your college, so we hope that you are able to navigate that. These dates had to account for different start dates and local onboarding processes.

What if the timing doesn’t work or if our campus has its own professional development for new faculty?
We do not want to be redundant with college professional development. We also know that some budgets or timing can prohibit colleges from sending faculty. For that reason, we have ensured that the curriculum is open and available to colleges who cannot send faculty but would like to replicate or supplement their own programs. Please email the student success center to request access to the curriculum. 

What's included in the curriculum?

  •  Orientation to SBCTC system values and overall structure
  •  Interactive workshops modeling active, culturally responsive, and online teaching
  •  Meet and greet with unions and presentation on tenure track processes
  •  Self-assessment for a professional learning journey
  •  Building relational trust and cross-college connections

What’s covered in the registration?
Registration costs cover space rental, staffing, lunch and breakfast, an ACUE course, active learning textbook, and a coaching program.

Participant transportation, lodging, and travel meals are not covered.

ACUE course link included in the program materials: ACUE Effective Teaching 101

What it is
The program includes a self-placement/self-assessment experience designed to support reflective practice and help participants build a personalized professional learning plan for their first year as a faculty member.

How it’s used in the program
During day 2 of the Institute, participants complete a self-assessment and begin a personalized professional learning plan.

Overview
Following the Institute, faculty continue their growth through continuous development opportunities designed to support learning needs over time.

Timing
October–March

Components & formats
Participants may engage in options offered locally, regionally, or statewide, including:

  • SBCTC online modules or microcredentials
  • Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs) or coaching offered virtually
  • System conferences and development opportunities:
    • Faculty and Staff of Color Conference
    • Faculty of Color Mentorship Program
    • WA Canvas Conference
    • NW Regional Equity Conference
    • Prof Tech Bootcamps

Learning focus areas
Teaching practice: TILT, UDL, lesson planning, formative feedback, syllabus design, classroom management

Inclusion: active and culturally sustaining pedagogy; recognizing systemic inequities and student demographics; trauma-informed teaching and belonging strategies

Technology integration: Canvas essentials; RSI; hybrid teaching models; digital accessibility; AI in education

Institutional knowledge: Guided Pathways; I-BEST; campus procedures; FERPA; Title IX; tenure processes; union agreements

CTE-specific content: skill standards, industry connections, managing labs/advisory boards

Overview
The program ends with a Culminating Experience at the ATL Conference. The ATL Conference is a system wide conference that brings together educators to enhance their understanding of teaching and learning practices. This conference focuses on the intersections of assessment, teaching and technology, aiming to support student learning and improve educational outcomes. 

Timing & Format
Timing: April 28-29, 2027
Format: In-person Yakima, WA

Features
Program participant–focused session
Reflection and celebration of growth
Faculty panels and practice-sharing
Connection to statewide networks and ongoing professional communities