Norwalk Community College
Center for Teaching

System-Wide Programs

Barnes Seminar
This is one of the longest-running Great Teachers Seminars nationally.  This two-and-a-half-day interdisciplinary workshop allows faculty members to share their teaching successes and challenges.  Barnes inspires encourages creativity and innovations in teaching.  The retreat is typically held in May of each year.

Instructional Skills Workshops
The ISW is an intensive teaching experience in which participants receive information about a variety of educational methodologies.  Participants practice and prepare lessons and presentation skills that will assist instructors in the classroom.  These workshops are held throughout the academic year.

Pathways Initiative for New Faculty Members
This program is aimed at faculty members within their first three years of full-time employment in the Connecticut Community College system.  It is designed to promote the very best in professional development early in one's career.  Topics have included tenure and promotion and best teaching practices.  The workshop is typically held in the spring semester.

Spirit of Teaching
The spirit of teaching is targeted to educators who have been teaching for 4-7 years, and who are looking for ways to reinvigorate their teaching practice.  The workshop focuses on teachers, not techniques, and participants will be invited to remember why they became teachers, reflect on their teaching experience, and rediscover their love and renew their enthusiasm for teaching.  This workshop is typically held in late September or early October of each year.

Schwab Institute for Academic Leadership Development
Named in honor of the late NCC President and one of the originators of the Center for Teaching, Dr. William Schwab, the institute is a one-day workshop. aimed at current department chairs, division directors. program coordinators, and other individuals interested in holding on-campus leadership positions.  Topics have included best educational leadership practices, evaluation, hiring, budgeting, conflict resolution, and individual and organizational development.  The institute is normally held in April of each year.