CBU Welcomes New University Teaching Chairs

CBU’s Centre for Teaching Learning (CTL) is pleased to announce three new University Teaching Chairs for the 2023-25 term – Dr. Bishakha Mazumdar, Dr. Heather Schmidt and Dr. Jessica Whitehead.

During their terms as University Teaching Chairs, Dr. Mazumdar will focus on Culturally Responsive Learning Design; Dr. Schmidt on Allyship and Decolonizing Educational Practices; and Dr. Whitehead exploring best practices in Flexible Digital Instruction.

CBU launched the Teaching Chair program in 2017 to provide opportunities for teaching faculty to lend and develop their expertise in diverse areas of the scholarship of teaching and learning. Faculty members serving as Chairs also collaborate with the CTL on programming and special projects as part of their roles.

Terry MacDonald, lead Educational Developer with the CTL, worked closely with new Chairs as they fine-tuned their focus areas based on their disciplines and specific teaching and learning interests. He says their titles reflect those considerations.

“The Teaching Chair program provides an opportunity to capture each individual’s scholarly expertise, creativity and passion for teaching, which is woven into professional development among peers,” explains Terry. “Chairs have an opportunity to affect long-term impacts on teaching excellence.”

Calls for applications for University Teaching Chairs typically take place in the fall. Applications are reviewed by an internal committee of faculty and staff. This program is considered to be mutually-beneficial, with Teaching Chairs gaining leadership acumen while supporting the CTL’s engagement and development initiatives.

With this introduction of new Chairs, Dr. Peter MacIntyre concludes an extended term as Teaching Chair in Innovation in Teaching Spaces, with colleagues benefiting greatly from his contributions. Please join us in thanking Dr. MacIntyre for his service while congratulating CBU’s newest Teaching Chairs.