Teaching and Learning Academy (TLA)

What is TLA?

The Teaching and Learning Academy (TLA) is specially designed for new full-time faculty as they transition into their teaching roles at Sheridan and aims to equip faculty in their journey to establish themselves as inclusive educators.

TLA includes participation in the Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW), where faculty practice and refine learner-centered and inclusive teaching strategies in a supportive, collaborative learning environment.

Faculty will also take part in the Assessment Institute, which emphasizes Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and introduces AI-informed approaches to assessment. Through collaborative design activities, faculty will create authentic, equitable assessments that better reflect student learning and engagement.

Intended Purpose and Goals

• Equip faculty with foundational knowledge, practical tools, and supportive networks to foster student success and enhance their own professional growth.
• Build teaching capacity and confidence to encourage student success.
• Design authentic, inclusive, and AI-informed assessment strategies by applying UDL principles.
• Implement learner-centered and inclusive strategies to foster engaging learning environments.

Who is the Target Audience?

• All newly hired full-time faculty across all programs will be automatically enrolled in the TLA program.

What Can Faculty Expect?

• A six-hour orientation introducing faculty to institutional supports and services available to them.
• A three-day, in-person ISW workshop with a minimum time commitment of 24 hours, full attendance and active participation.
• A 10-hour, in-person Assessment Institute that blends theory with hands-on assessment design activities.