Teaching Squares
Share the joys and challenges of teaching in an atmosphere free of judgment
The Purpose
Developed by Anne Wessely of St. Louis Community College, the Teaching Squares program is designed to improve teaching skills and build community through a structured, non-threatening process of classroom observation and shared reflection. The process involves the best aspect of peer evaluation – observation and discussion – while excluding judgment and evaluation. Participants in a Teaching Square learn about the best practices of other faculty in order to improve their own teaching.
Who’s Involved?
A Teaching Square is a group of four faculty members from different disciplines who:
- Engage in reciprocal classroom or on-line class visits
- Share teaching materials
- Reflect on classroom or online observations
- Celebrate best practices with colleagues
Time Commitment
(one academic quarter)
Participants typically spend six to eight hours over the course of one quarter in
Teaching Square activities which can include:
- Initial meeting - 30 minutes
- Three classroom or online visits -3 or more hours
- Square share session - 2 hours
- All Squares Celebration – 1 hour
The Benefits
By participating in Teaching Squares, you will have an opportunity to:
- Observe, reflect and celebrate good teaching
- Increase your understanding of and appreciation for the work of your colleagues
- Enhance your own teaching based on what you have learned from your Teaching Squares partners.
Note: Teaching Squares has been pre-approved through the Professional Placement and Advancement Committee (PPAC) to receive 6.5 hours (0.33 Credits). Adjunct faculty receive a stipend of $200 upon completion of the activity; only one stipend may be awarded though participation can be repeated.
Apply Now
Complete this short application and mail it to tlc@clark.edu to join the next group of faculty who are enriching their professional lives through Teaching Squares.
For more information, contact tlc@clark.edu.
If you need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, you should contact Clark College’s Disability Support Services Office at (360) 992-2314 or (360) 991-0901 (VP), or visit PUB 013 as soon as possible.