New Faculty Teaching Network

Teach smarter, not harder.

longer term UIC faculty mentor and support a new UIC faculty member in person and with technology during their first year.

 

Starting a faculty position means balancing new courses, new students, new technologies, and new expectations: all while building a successful research and service agenda. The New Faculty Teaching Network provides practical, year-long support to help new faculty develop effective, sustainable teaching practices at UIC.

Hosted by the Center for the Advancement of Teaching Excellence (CATE), the Network extends the support provided through New Faculty Orientation by offering opportunities to learn, connect, and reflect throughout the academic year.

Why Participate?

The Network helps faculty:

  • Develop effective, efficient teaching practices
  • Better understand and engage UIC students
  • Navigate teaching in the age of AI
  • Gather and respond to student feedback
  • Build a sustainable approach to teaching
  • Connect with colleagues across campus

How It Works

The New Faculty Teaching Network follows a simple 3+1 model: complete three core experiences and choose one additional opportunity that best fits your interests, goals, or teaching context:

3 Core Experiences

Participants complete the following core experiences:

  1. Teaching Development Workshops – Attend four CATE workshops during 2026-2027 on topics that match your teaching interests.
  2. Mid-Semester Student Feedback – Gather structured feedback from students and make meaningful adjustments while your course is still in progress.
  3. Teaching Statement Development – Draft or refine your teaching statement through CATE workshops and consultations.

 

+1 Elective Experience

Participants select one or more additional opportunities from the following to deepen the experience and connect to the larger UIC community:

Designed for Busy Faculty

Many Network activities take place during New Faculty Orientation, Week Zero, or the summer, making it easier to participate alongside teaching, research, and service responsibilities.

While New Faculty Orientation is a natural starting point, faculty may join the Network at any time during the year.

Recognition

Faculty who complete the New Faculty Teaching Network receive a digital certificate and are recognized in CATE’s annual Teaching Sparks publication.

Join the Network

Complete the Interest Form to receive information about upcoming opportunities and begin building your teaching network at UIC.