LAKERS TOGETHER: Find out how we're moving forward.
The majority of our in-person activities have been postponed or moved online. We are open for business virtually – please contact us with any questions. Direct inquiries to pewftlc@gvsu.edu or (616) 331-3498.
January Faculty Dialogues (Jan 12 from 1–4pm)
Online/Hybrid Teaching—Professional Development Options for Certification
Virtual Learning Refresh Options
Teaching About and During the Election Season—NEW!
Current Faculty Learning Communities
Minds That Matter (New Sessions and Recorded Sessions)
NCFDD Information, Events, Webinars
2020 Fall Conference on Teaching and Learning (Materials & Recordings)
Upcoming Events
Spring 2021 Personnel Portfolio Workshop (May 3-June 4)--VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
May 3, 2021 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
2021 Virtual Teaching Life Retreat: Decompress!
May 6, 2021 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Inclusive Excellence Teaching Institute (IETI)
May 14, 2021 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Spring/Summer 2021 Opportunities
THREE-DAY EVENT
Meeting from 9am—3pm on May 14, May 28, and June 11
This Institute is designed to provide Affiliate and Tenure-Track faculty at all ranks a transformative space to learn and strategize about inclusive excellence in teaching and learning.
Learn more by visiting our Inclusive Excellence webpage.
Spring/Summer FLCs are OPEN and accepting members!
See the complete list of groups on our Current FLCs webpage
Apply online via our Grants System
Spring 2021 Faculty Learning Communities
Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs) bring faculty together to foster a 1-2 semester-long conversation on a topic of mutual interest and encourage an application of the knowledge gained. Each FLC consists of a facilitator and a group of at least four faculty. If you are interested in registering for an FLC, simply apply for an Faculty Learning Community in the FTLC Grant System. All faculty are eligible to apply, unless otherwise noted. (Note: GVSU staff may participate with supervisor approval.)
If you are interested in forming or leading a Faculty Learning Community for the current or upcoming academic year, complete a Faculty Learning Community Letter of Intent Form. If you are leading an FLC, visit the FLC Facilitator Resources page.
Looking for inspiration? Visit our Past Faculty Learning Communities webpage to see a complete list (with descriptions) of FLCs from past academic years.
Don't take our word for it. Watch this short video in which GVSU faculty are interviewed about the impact participating in a Pew FTLC Faculty Learning Community had on them. We couldn't ask for better ambassadors for this fantastic program!
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 FLCs ARE OPEN AND ACCEPTING MEMBERS!
Click on the titles below to read more about a specific FLC. Apply online via our grants system
- How Humans Learn: The Science and Stories Behind Effective Teaching (Summer 2021)—How might a better understanding of research in the fields of developmental psychology, anthropology, and cognitive neuroscience give us insight into designing a more effective classroom for our students? Facilitated by Kathryn Stieler, Music, Theatre, & Dance and Pew FTLC Faculty Fellow.
- Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Developing Healthy and More Effective Ways of Communicating—We spend so much of our lives talking to each other, but how much are we simply running on automatic, relaying on old habits and hoping for the best? Are we able to truly hear others and speak our mind in a clear kind way, without needing to get defensive or go on the attack? Facilitated by Martina Reinhold, Physician Assistant Studies.
- Super Courses (Spring 2021)—How might an instructor turn a good course into a super course? Facilitated by David Eick, Modern Languages and Literature and Pew FTLC Faculty Fellow.
- Ungrading (Spring 2021)—In the age of COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter, how can we grade more equitably and shift the focus from grades to learning? Facilitated by David Eick, Modern Languages and Literature and Pew FTLC Faculty Fellow.
Inclusive Teaching Practices Toolkit
NEW RESOURCE—Inclusive Teaching Practices Toolkit
ACUE just introduced a set of FREE resources—including videos and downloadable planning guides—that can be immediately put to use to benefit both faculty and their students. These practices are tailored for online teaching but are also relevant to the physical classroom. By implementing inclusive teaching practices, faculty create learning environments where all students feel they belong and have the opportunity to achieve at high levels.
The Inclusive Teaching Practices Toolkit was developed in collaboration with Dr. Marlo Goldstein Hode, Senior Manager, Strategic Diversity Initiatives, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Twitter feed for @GVSU_PewFTLC



The Robert and Mary Pew Faculty Teaching and Learning Center serves as a catalyst for promoting a culture of teaching excellence at Grand Valley State University. Rooted in a liberal education tradition and informed by the scholarship of teaching and learning, we advocate innovative teaching and student-centered pedagogies. We partner with faculty as they prepare students to contribute meaningfully to their professions and societies.
Promoting a scholarly approach to teaching and learning, supporting reflection on professional practice, encouraging growth at all career stages, and rewarding innovation in teaching.