Purpose
The Maroon Academy for Teaching Excellence is a certificate program for faculty in university teaching. This four-course certification represents Mississippi State University's highest level of commitment to teaching and provides teachers with evidence-based practices to improve course outcomes, promote student engagement, foster an inclusive course environment, and support student learning. Each course is taught asynchronously online and supported by MSU faculty; the classes are designed to assist participants in building practical resources for their courses.
Content and Schedule
There are four courses in the Maroon Academy for Teaching Excellence. These five-week summer courses are delivered asynchronously online, but they also require implementation of practices during a regular semester. Each course culminates with a final self-evaluation and reflection useful for demonstrating teaching effectiveness:
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Intentional Course Design and Assessment, taught by Dr. Stephanie King
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Active Learning for Student Engagement, taught by Dr. Nicole Miller
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Inclusive Teaching and Welcoming All Learners, taught by Dr. Melody Fisher
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Supporting Student Learning in Class and Online, taught by Dr. Athena Nagel
Recognition of Faculty Support
With contributions by:
Panelists:
LaToya Bogard
Harish Chander
Jim Dunne
Anastasia Elder
Melody Fisher
Terri Hernandez
Kris King
Stephanie King
Athena Nagel
Lesley Strawderman
Kim Walters
Taught by:
Stephanie King
With contributions by:
Classroom Observations:
Brian Blank
LaToya Bogard
Morgan Green
Caroline Kobia
Saeed Rokooei
Holli Seitz
Lesley Strawderman
Eric Vivier
Taught by:
Nicole Miller
With contributions by:
Faculty Interviews:
John Ball
Silvina Barrera Lopez
Melody Fisher
Amy Fountain
Aaron Grimes
Amy Knight
Sandra Orozco-Aleman
Aswathy Rai
Jordan Spencer
Ashley Vancil-Leap
Taught by:
Melody Fisher
With Contributions by:
Interviews
Zach Ahonle
Anastasia Elder
Kasia Gallo
Christa Haney
Kris King
Christopher Little
Athena Owen Nagel
Sheida Riahi
Taught by:
Athena Owen Nagel
Eligibility
Individuals who hold academic status as Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor are eligible to apply.
Please note, at this time lecturers are not eligible for this particular program. We welcome your participation in our other events, workshops, and programs.
To maximize the impact of the program, the application review committee will give special consideration to the following:
- Applicants' teaching loads and class sizes
- Applicants' class levels and course requisite standings
- Applicants' course loads, including classes that have traditionally had high DFW rates
Each cohort is limited to 30 participants. A new cohort will be accepted every year of the program; the certificate takes two years to complete.
Application and Deadline
Proposals must be submitted as a PDF document to the Center for Teaching and Learning by email to maroonacademy@ctl.msstate.edu by Friday, April 4, 2025. Participants will be notified by Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Download Application Download Application
Incentives and Recognition
Participants will receive a stipend upon completing each course.
- Course 1: $250
- Course 2: $500
- Course 3: $750
- Course 4: $1000
Note: Stipends will be dispersed after implementation in a regular semester.
In addition, a badge micro-credential will be awarded for each course completion and a certificate will be awarded upon completion of the program. Certified teachers will also be recognized in the following ways:
- Recognition at the Center for Teaching and Learning's Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
- Identification on the Center for Teaching and Learning website
- Formal written documentation of completion (copied to the Department Head)