Guidelines for Teaching Development Programs for Schools/Colleges
This document outlines key principles and general guidelines for schools and colleges to establish and implement teaching development programs for faculty. While the specific steps involved in implementing such a program may vary, these guidelines are intended to provide a consistent framework. They may also be adapted to guide related program creation and development.
These guidelines define the structure and expectations for compensated teaching development programs within schools/colleges or units at Baylor University, outlining responsibilities for the institution, the school/college or unit, and the faculty. It is designed to support the school/college with the resources to enhance teaching effectiveness and advance the quality of instruction at Baylor University. The guideline creates space for focused engagement in teaching-related activities such as course design, pedagogical innovation, and the development of instructional materials. This intentional support encourages reflective practice, fosters creativity in the classroom, and promotes the continuous improvement of student learning experiences. Ultimately, the guideline strengthens Baylor’s educational mission by investing in the professional growth of its faculty and reinforcing the University’s commitment to transformative teaching.
A Teaching Development Assignment provides tenure-track, tenured, clinical, and lecturer track faculty members at any rank (excluding temporary faculty) with dedicated resources during a designated academic term to pursue concentrated work on teaching development. Faculty granted a Teaching Development Assignment are expected to engage in full-time, concentrated work on teaching development, such as redesigning courses, developing new instructional materials, and/or exploring innovative pedagogical approaches.
Tenure, clinical, and lecturer track faculty with active or future teaching assignments are eligible to apply. Each school/college governs its own Teaching Development Assignment process, including but not limited to availability, funding, application procedures, limitations on the number of assignments permitted, frequency of assignments, and eligible academic terms. Faculty must follow the established guidelines and procedures within their respective school/college. Teaching Development Assignments are approved by the dean of the respective school/college, in consultation with the Office of the Provost.
Teaching Development Assignments may be granted during any academic term, including standard semesters, summer sessions (i.e., Summer 1 and/or Summer 2), short intersession terms (i.e., Minimester and Wintermester), quarters, or trimesters, based on the requirements of the faculty member’s school/college. Partial term assignments are permitted.
Faculty members who complete Teaching Development Assignments are expected to return to their contractual appointment for at least one full academic year. If a faculty member separates from the University before fulfilling this obligation, they must reimburse Baylor University an amount equal to the salary received during the Teaching Development Assignment. During the return year, faculty are also required to submit a written report detailing the outcomes, in accordance with the reporting requirements of their school/college.
The school/college will set the expectations for resources, including compensation and benefits, during the Teaching Development Assignment. For faculty on academic year contracts that do not include summer compensation, summer earnings must comply with established summer pay guidelines.