The Reinert Center’s Certificate in University Teaching Skills Program had a strong 2025-2026 academic year.
At the heart of these certificates is the Praxis Workshop series, facilitated by Saint Louis University faculty and Reinert Center staff. Each workshop offers insights on teaching topics along with hands-on practice, which help participants consider how to incorporate them into their teaching.
This year, some workshop topics were using AI in teaching, the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm, collaborative learning, large class teaching, belonging in the classroom, assessment strategies, and creating psychological safety for students. The breadth of facilitator voices and topics helped demonstrate how effective teaching and learning strategies can support disciplinary expertise in any teaching situation.
The certificate program also has three, two-week online courses offered each semester covering teaching philosophy development, course design, and learning technology.
Certificate participants also attended teaching essentials workshops. These, skills-focused workshops considered essential teaching skills including UDL strategies in PowerPoint, syllabus design, instructor presence, and selecting digital learning tools.
Two book discussions rounded out the year, with readings of 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by David Yeager and One Classroom at a Time by David Gooblar.
The year closed with a certificate ceremony on May 1st, where former Provost Mike Lewis delivered the ceremony address. Listen to his Reflections on Teaching.
All of the certificates offered by the Reinert Center are free for faculty, graduate students, and teaching staff at Saint Louis University. For more information, visit the Center’s website or email us at cttl@slu.edu.
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About the University Teaching Skills Certificate Program
The Certificate in University Teaching Skills Program is free and open to all full- and part-time SLU faculty, graduate students, and teaching staff. Participants can pursue three certificate options:
Foundations of University Teaching Skills Certificate
The Foundations Certificate requires ten Effective Teaching Credits, earned primarily through Praxis Workshops and approved electives, along with a written reflection. Completion typically requires a minimum of two semesters.
Principles of University Teaching Skills Certificate
The Principles Certificate has more extensive requirements, including the completion of three, two-week online courses and regular meetings with a faculty mentor. This pathway culminates in the development of a professional Teaching Portfolio.
Online University Teaching Skills Certificate
The Online University Teaching Skills Certificate is an advanced option. Participants must either have at least two semesters of teaching experience as the instructor of record or have completed the Foundations or Principles Certificate.
The Notebook 