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The Principles of College Teaching (PCT) micro-credential, offered by the Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL) at CU Boulder, provides a structured pathway for graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and staff to develop and refine their teaching skills for post-secondary education. This program emphasizes the practical application of teaching theories and reflective practices, preparing participants to demonstrate excellence in college-level instruction.

Program Overview and Goals

The PCT micro-credential is designed to:

• Enhance Teaching Proficiency – Equip participants with evidence-based practices to improve instruction and student engagement.
• Promote Reflective Practice – Integrate ongoing reflection to evaluate teaching methods and refine approaches.
• Foster Professional Development – Strengthen communication, project management, and teamwork skills for career advancement.
• Provide Recognition – Award a verifiable digital badge to showcase expertise to hiring committees and institutions worldwide.

Whether you’re preparing for future academic roles or seeking to strengthen your teaching practice, this program provides the tools and resources to make an impact in and beyond the classroom.

What You’ll Gain

By completing this micro-credential, participants will:

• Demonstrate Teaching Proficiency – Showcase expertise in instructional design, active learning, and student-centered teaching practices.
• Highlight Transferable Skills – Develop strengths in communication, project management, and relationship-building valued across industries.
• Build Career Opportunities – Strengthen job applications with recognized teaching credentials for academic and non-academic positions.
• Develop Inclusive Practices – Learn strategies to create equitable and accessible learning environments.
• Receive Professional Recognition – Earn a digital badge to share on LinkedIn, CVs, and personal websites.

Program Requirements

To earn the PCT micro-credential, participants must complete the following steps:

1. Register for Tracking and Start Logging Hours

Visit and register as a user to track participation and progress.

2. Participate in 20 Hours of CTL-Approved Training

Purpose: Develop teaching expertise through workshops and training sessions focused on college-level instruction.

• Attend 20 hours of CTL-approved workshops covering:
  • Active Learning Techniques – Methods to increase student engagement and participation.
  • Assessment Strategies – Tools for evaluating learning outcomes effectively.
  • Inclusive Teaching Practices – Approaches to promote equity and accessibility in the classroom.
  • Curriculum Design – Techniques for planning and organizing course content.

Tracking Progress: Participants should use the Personal Attendance Tracking Form to log each workshop or event attended and submit the completed form to ctl@colorado.edu once all 20 hours are completed.

3. Submit Three Reflective Essays

Purpose: Foster self-awareness and growth through reflection on pedagogical strategies and workshop content.

• Write three reflections based on ideas and concepts explored in the workshops attended.
• Reflections should:
  • Highlight key takeaways and how they apply to your teaching practices.
  • Evaluate areas of strength and areas for improvement.
  • Propose strategies for future teaching growth.

Submission Process: Upload reflections to Canvas Assignments or submit directly to the CTL via email.

4. Develop and Submit a Teaching Portfolio

Purpose: Compile evidence of teaching effectiveness and instructional development.

• Create a Teaching Portfolio using the Teaching Portfolio Artifact Guide that includes:
  • Teaching Philosophy Statement – Articulate your values and approaches to teaching.
  • Sample Course Materials – Provide syllabi, assignments, lesson plans, and rubrics.
  • Evidence of Effectiveness – Include student evaluations, peer observations, and reflections.
  • Assessment Strategies – Showcase assessment tools and learning outcomes.

Submission Process:

• Ensure all program requirements are complete before submitting your portfolio.
• Use the Teaching Portfolio Artifact Guide to structure materials effectively.
• Submit via Canvas or email to CTL staff.

Review and Approval: Portfolios will be reviewed by the CTL Director, and feedback will be provided before issuing the credential.

5. Exit Interview and Digital Badge

Purpose: Reflect on growth and discuss the next steps for professional development.

• Participate in an exit interview with CTL staff to:
  • Review teaching experiences and accomplishments.
  • Identify areas for future growth and development.
  • Finalize completion of the micro-credential program.

Digital Badge Award:

• After completing the interview, participants receive a digital badge that verifies their achievement.
• The badge includes metadata about the skills earned and can be shared on LinkedIn, CVs, and portfolios.

Why Choose the PCT Micro-Credential?

• Practical Training: Build real-world teaching strategies you can apply immediately.
• Flexible Learning: Choose workshops that align with your teaching goals and schedule.
• Professional Recognition: Highlight your expertise with a digital badge to boost your resume and professional visibility.
• Career Development: Develop transferable skills that open doors in academia and other fields.
• Supportive Community: Join a cohort of educators committed to enhancing teaching practices.

Ready to Get Started?

Questions? Contact ctl@colorado.edu for assistance.