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Advanced Teaching (AT) Certificate Program

The Advanced Teaching (AT) Certificate represents an opportunity for participants to further develop substantive knowledge and skills. The program provides a learning community and support structure within which participants can become better teachers.

Spring Schedule

Content Sessions

All sessions 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Participants will meet in person

January 30
February 13, 20, 27
March 6, 20

Classroom observations (peer and self) will be scheduled between March 6 and May 6.

Registration for Spring 2026 is full. We are no longer accepting applications.

Program Goals

The AT Certificate program is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to develop their pedagogical knowledge and skills. Participants will purposefully and proactively:

  • design effective learner-centered instruction that emphasizes core curricular ideas and focuses on student learning. (Planning)
  • learning principles toward the creation of learner-centered instructional environments. (Learning)
  • integrate assessment into instruction, viewing assessment as both a component of student learning and a component of what students have learned. (Assessment)
  • respect the institutional and cultural contexts within which college teaching occurs. (Context)
  • implement instruction that is focused on and fosters student learning. (Teaching)

Participation Benefits

Participants in the AT Certificate program can expect several benefits, including advancing their:

  • Development of integrated knowledge related to teaching, learning, motivation, assessment, instructional strategies, instructional technologies, instructional design, and classroom management.
  • Development of teaching skills, including using instructional strategies (e.g., discussion, group work, lecturing, problem-based learning, case-based learning, writing), teaching large and small classes, and applying classroom management.
  • Development of instructional design skills, including conducting a needs assessment, and engaging in course design, lesson design, and assignment design.
  • Development of assessment strategies, including formative and summative assessments, and authentic and traditional assessments.
  • Development of skills in reaching all students, including universal design and inclusive pedagogy.
  • Development of confidence in creating and implementing effective instruction.
  • Development of a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) project.

In addition, participants will receive a certificate of successful completion, indicating their growth in knowledge and skills related to learner-centered pedagogy.

Requirements

Participants in the AT Certificate program must meet each of the following requirements:

  • Completion of the Principles of Effective Teaching (PET) Certificate Program or approval by facilitator.
  • Participants may be from any department, unit, or college at Virginia Tech.
  • Participants must be teaching during program participation.
  • Participants must attend 5 of the 6 program sessions.
  • Participants must engage in required class peer and formative observations.
  • Participants must be interested in advancing their teaching, reflecting on teaching and learning processes, and actively supporting other teachers at Virginia Tech.
  • Participants must develop a SoTL project.

Questions?

Please email teaching@vt.edu.