The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) is dedicated to providing Mountwest Community and Technical College’s faculty and staff with guidance and
resources throughout their professional development journey.
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning supports all faculty as they cultivate inclusive, evidence-based, student-centered teaching and learning practices.
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) at Mountwest Community and Technical College will create a dynamic and inclusive academic environment where faculty are empowered to excel in teaching, innovate in pedagogy, and foster student success.
Mission Statement
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning supports all faculty as they cultivate inclusive, evidence-based, student-centered teaching and learning practices.
Vision Statement
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) at Mountwest Community and Technical College will create a dynamic and inclusive academic environment where faculty are empowered to excel in teaching, innovate in pedagogy, and foster student success. Our vision is to be a hub of professional growth and scholarly excellence, promoting an atmosphere of academic success. Through evidence-based practices we strive to support learning outcomes-centered approaches, cultivate professionalism and scholarship, enhance student learning assessment, and champion student-centered teaching and learning strategies. By nurturing a community of committed educators, the CETL aims to elevate the educational experience for all students, ensuring their success in an ever-evolving academic landscape.
In the summer of 2024, a CETL Steering Committee was formed to discuss and compose a strategic, four-year plan for the development of a Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. This team conducted thorough research on CETL best practices and reviewed existing sites or resources from both two and four-year institutions. In August of 2024, the team hosted two listening sessions to allow faculty and students alike the opportunity to provide feedback on elements of the strategic plan and general ethos. At the Fall 2024 in-service, the team presented the final draft of the Strategic Plan to faculty and staff.
Mountwest Community and Technical College is committed to providing high-quality, research-driven instruction and professional development. With the creation and continued improvement of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Mountwest is able offer exciting, advanced, and inclusive teaching strategies and resources for faculty and staff.
The CETL Advisory Board attends bi-weekly meetings with the Director to discuss all things CETL. This includes but is not limited to the development of the Operations Manual, preparations for in-service, monthly CETL offerings, website updates, and more.
The CETL team members are as follows:
Morgan Byrne (Director)
Kristen Brumfield (Advisory Board Member)
Josh Keck (Advisory Board Member)
Hannah Matthews (Advisory Board Member)
Kelly Terry (Advisory Board Member).
Hours of operation are XXXX
Your Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning team is dedicated to providing faculty and staff with resources and opportunities to create and support leaders in the community and workforce.
Please use the calendar below to find and register for events, workshops, and more!
Missed an event? No problem! You can access the recording (if available) by clicking the event!
The Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference – Chicago, IL
“Learn from HLC staff and leading thinkers, researchers and advocates during this multi-day event to inspire your work on campus.”
Dates: April 5-8, 2025
Site Link: https://www.hlcommission.org/learning-center/annual-conference
The Conference on College Composition and Communication – Baltimore, MD
“You are invited to…a gathering of educators, scholars, and creators passionate about advancing the teaching and study of writing and rhetoric.”
Dates: April 9-12, 2025
Site Link: https://cccc.ncte.org/cccc/conv
The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) – Nashville, TN
“This experience includes high-energy keynote presentations and breakout sessions addressing the sector’s most pressing issues and opportunities, technology showcases, peer-to-peer sharing sessions, and unparalleled networking opportunities.”
Dates: April 12-16, 2025
Site Link: https://aaccannual.com/index.cfm
The International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence (NISOD) – Austin, TX
“Empowering faculty, staff, and administrators at community and technical colleges through relevant, engaging, and meaningful resources, recognition, and relationships.”
Dates: May 24 – 27, 2025
Site Link: https://www.nisod.org/face-to-face/conference/
The Association for the Assessment of Learning in Higher Education – Alexandria, VA
“The AALHE 2025 Conference – Assessment Evolution: Motivating Continuous Progress, Elevating Excellence, and Celebrating Success will being together various communities within higher education assessment through a dynamic learning experience.”
Dates: May 27 – 30, 2025
Site Link: https://www.aalhe.org/annual-conference
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) – Columbus, OH
“NACAC Conference 2025 will bring over 6,500 attendees to Columbus to share best practices, inspirational ideas, cutting-edge research, and professional stories at the premier event for college admission counseling professionals.”
Dates: September 18-20, 2025
Site Link: https://nacacconference.org/
Assessment Institute of Indiana University – Indianapolis, IN
“The Institute is the oldest and largest U.S. event focused on assessing and improving higher education.”
Dates: October 26-28, 2025
Site Link: https://assessmentinstitute.indianapolis.iu.edu/overview/index.html
Marshall University’s Instructional Design Team has partnered with Mountwest to provide Blackboard Ultra. Training information is provided here, as well as in the event calendar above.
Every Thursday from 12:00 – 4:30 pm in Room 201 from April 17th – May 29th. These are office-hours style drop-in sessions.
Faculty can also book appointments with a Designer @ Bookings. Just click the hyperlink!
The CETL provides both digital and in-person resources. Anyone interested in perusing the collections can use the links below or contact the CETL director.
Online Library Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1541BfdNR9y_Ux9zgdMfEfuGsS-wzVMx59t3vrs9SL3Y/edit?usp=sharing
Physical Library Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gpoFUc3qCLoWheACAsHXqeJR-yNT90V3LCufHYvyq48/edit?usp=sharing
CETL YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MCTCCETL
Mountwest instructors should select one of four policies on artificial intelligence and its use in the classroom.
“A Jargon-Free Explanation of How AI Large Language Models Work” by Timothy B. Lee and Sean Trott
In this section, you’ll find resources and guides designed to ease your transition into the MCTC classroom. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your chair, dean, or the director of the CETL.
Navigating the Website: The Basics
This guided video can walk you through the basics of using our institution’s website.
Attendance Tracker
MCTC uses the Attendance Tracker program for all courses. Below, you will find written and video directions for navigating this program.
Attendance Tracker Directions: In-Person, Hybrid, and Flex
Attendance Tracker Directions: Online (Asynchronous)
Attendance Tracker Directions: Guided Video Tour
Attendance is required after the first and fourth weeks of class, as well as midterms and finals, though it’s recommended that you take attendance as frequently as you can. Faculty receive email reminders when attendance is due. Attendance for online classes must be taken based upon assignments or activities completed, not students logging into Blackboard.
Student Hours
Sometimes referred to as “office hours,” student hours are specific times throughout the week during which students can visit your office and discuss course content, ask questions, and more. Full-time faculty are required to have at least eight student hours a week, during which it is recommended that your office door remain open.
Sending Syllabi
By the conclusion of each first week of class, you must email your syllabi to your respective administrative assistant. Faculty receive email reminders about this requirement.
Best Practices
Though the success of different techniques can vary from person to person, there are some general recommendations that can always help to heighten your students’ experiences.
Our New Faculty Academy program provides resources and tutorials to help orient and support new faculty as they acclimate to Mountwest.
New Faculty Directory: This document contains a quick rundown of contact information for chairs, deans, administrative assistants, and the leaders of student services.
Faculty Council Committees: This document provides a brief description of each faculty council committee.
Get in touch with our team to see how you can help today!