Reimagining faculty professional development: Pathways for innovation and impact
At UT San Antonio, faculty development isn’t just about workshops or one-time trainings — it’s about creating sustainable, innovative pathways that empower educators to thrive in every teaching context. Through the Office of Teaching, Learning, and Digital Transformation, we’ve designed a flexible, multimodal model that adapts to faculty needs and goals. From ACUE microcredentials to the Student Experience Project to the Innovation Academy (and much more!), our programs foster growth, collaboration and creativity.
“Participating in the Innovation Academy has transformed the way I approach my classroom and my students. I feel more confident and connected.”
Vanessa A. Sansone, Assistant Chair, Associate Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (COEHD)
Our Model for Faculty Engagement
We’ve built our framework around five pillars that guide how we connect with, support and celebrate faculty:
- Faculty Outreach to Inform: Sharing the latest opportunities, updates, and innovations in teaching and learning via our social media channels and Screensteps portal.
- Faculty Professional Development: Offering engaging learning communities, courses, and initiatives. You can find our offering at the Faculty Center Events page.
- Faculty Empowerment: Providing multimodal resources, instructional tools, and practical use cases.
- Faculty Support: Delivering personalized consultations and responsive guidance.
- Student Impact: Measuring outcomes to ensure faculty growth directly benefits student success.
This framework ensures professional development is accessible, adaptable and impactful across disciplines.
Pathways for Faculty Growth
Faculty can chart their own path, choosing the opportunities that best fit their teaching style and goals — whether teaching face-to-face, online, hybrid or exploring new modalities.
- Communities of Practice & Incentivized Programs: Collaborate with colleagues to co-create strategies and resources.
- Digital Accessibility & UDL: Design inclusive learning environments for all students.
- Generative AI: Explore how to integrate AI tools ethically and effectively.
- Teaching Practices: Apply evidence-based strategies to boost engagement and success.
- Teaching Tools: Build hands-on skills with digital platforms that enhance learning outcomes.
“Taking the ACUE course really helped me grow as an educator and gave me fresh ideas to better support my students. It also encouraged me to reflect on my teaching and feel more connected with my colleagues.”
Ada Zamarripa, Assistant Professor of Practice, Modern Languages (COLFA) and Director of La Comunidad Living Learning Community
Recognition of Faculty Commitment
We value the time and dedication faculty bring to professional development. That’s why, upon completing each course or program, faculty earn a digital badge, a credential that showcases their achievements and can be shared in portfolios, evaluations, and professional profiles.
Ready to transform your teaching?
Join us on this journey of innovation and impact and be part of shaping the future of faculty development at UT San Antonio.
GET STARTED TODAY
Visit our Faculty Professional Development Programming for 2025-2026 or email us at AcademicInnovation@utsa.edu to explore current opportunities.
