Tarleton Educators Lauded for ACUE Course Completion

STEPHENVILLE, Texas — More than 80 Tarleton State University educators were recognized in a recent pinning ceremony for completing professional development courses from the Association of College and University Educators.

Faculty credentialed by ACUE have demonstrated comprehensive knowledge and skills across all of the core teaching competencies defined in ACUE’s effective practice framework.

“Tarleton State puts student success at the center of everything we do,” said Dr. Aimee Shouse, Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Curriculum and Faculty Affairs. “Completing the ACUE Certificate in Effective College Instruction gives our faculty the information and best practices they can use to promote student success in the classroom, both in person and online.” 

Certification requires participants to take a 25-week course, all while teaching their own courses. “Our completion rate demonstrates that the faculty’s commitment to student success is firmly in place,” Dr. Shouse said.

Tarleton President James Hurley congratulated the educators and noted that they faced some unique challenges early in their cohort. 

“In the midst of a pandemic we asked you to launch this 25-week program to enhance the teaching and learning opportunities for your students,” he said. “Our strategic plan calls for delivering an exceptional student experience. Your commitment to growing your ability to teach adds to that experience.”

Twenty-six professors from across all disciplines completed “Effective Online Teaching Practices”, which focuses on online teaching practices, and 24 others finished “Effective Teaching Practices” that focuses on effective practices for face-to-face and hybrid instruction. Completion of each course results in certification in Effective College Instruction.

Dr. Shonda Gibson, Vice Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, said the initiative, funded by the Board of Regents, will credential 2,000 educators system-wide by 2024. “It even gets better when you realize that they will impact three million students in three years.”

ACUE Tarleton Cohort Press
More than 80 members of Tarleton’s faculty recently completed professional development courses from the Association of College and University Educators.

Ninety-nine Tarleton faculty members have earned the ACUE certification, the only teaching credential endorsed by the American Council on Education.

“Thank you for your willingness to take on this extra responsibility, for your commitment to optimizing your teaching practices, and for your devotion to student success,” said Tarleton Provost Dr. Diane Stearns. “You have returned to the experience of being a student again yourself, and you’ve recognized that the practice of your craft takes time and effort.”

Other faculty and staff earned micro-credentials for completing the ACUE courses “Inclusive Teaching for Equitable Learning”, “Inspiring Inquiry and Preparing Lifelong Learners in Your Online Course”, “Designing Learner-Centered and Equitable Courses”, and “Promoting Active Learning Online”.

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.
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