Challenge IX: Faculty Responsibilities
Response:
The College values effective teaching. The central role of effective teaching is indicated in the Faculty Handbook as highlighted below:
Teaching is the most important function of the faculty and dominates faculty activity. The major purpose of professional development is to support quality instruction and assist the faculty in keeping current in their field to enhance student learning. Service to the College and community assists and enables the College to function administratively and to provide a model for students. Active faculty participation in committees, curriculum development, academic advising, and other administrative duties is vital to successfully fulfilling the Mission of the College.
As part of the annual evaluation, it is anticipated that each full-time and percentage-time faculty member will meet with his/her Dean to set goals in accord with that document. Various criteria are considered when evaluating teaching effectiveness. For instance, the Faculty Handbook mentions:
Each full-time and percentage-time faculty member is evaluated by his/her Dean and by students through student faculty/course evaluations. Adjunct faculty members will be evaluated by their Dean and through student faculty/course evaluations.
Samples of several evaluation instruments are provided at the end of the Faculty Handbook. These instruments may be modified to incorporate aspects of the staff evaluation under consideration. Three broad areas are covered in faculty evaluation: teaching/advising, professional development, and service to the College and community.
Miller College provides ongoing opportunities for increased training in educational technologies and support services to enhance diverse learning environments. Training opportunities have included:
-Worldwide Instructional Design System® (WIDS®)
-BlackboardTM for online instruction
-College LiveText edu solutionsTM. UnitedstreamingTM (used by teacher candidates for e-portfolio development)
-Datatel Colleague administrative software system
-WebAdvisorTM
-Workshops for media equipment and classroom technologies
The College supports professional development by sending faculty and staff to professional meetings, conferences, and providing in-house training opportunities. This commitment to providing professional development opportunities evidences the value Miller College places on effective teaching and student learning.
Evidence:
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