Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)
Laurie Alfaro, Ed.D.
Faculty Chair
What’s New in the CTL
NEW for 2026-27: Monday Mini Sessions 🕒
We know faculty members’ time is valuable. Between teaching, committee work, student support, and countless other responsibilities, finding an hour for professional development isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve created our new Monday Mini Sessions—short, practical workshops designed to fit into busy schedules.
Each 30-minute session begins with a 20-minute hands-on demonstration, followed by time to explore the tools or techniques yourself, ask questions, and receive personalized support from the facilitator. These sessions are approved for adjunct PD hours, up to six hours per semester. (There are a limited number of computers available in the CTL, so bring your laptop if you can.)
Click here to view the full CTL calendar.
NEW for 2026-27: CTL Chairs Academy 🔖
Whether you’re a new department chair or simply chair-curious, the CTL Chairs Academy introduces the knowledge, skills, and responsibilities of academic leadership at City Colleges of Chicago. Through four interactive sessions, participants will explore governance, faculty evaluation, scheduling and enrollment management, and strategies for building strong, supportive departments. Join colleagues from across the college to gain practical insights, ask questions, and discover what it takes to lead effectively in higher education.
No prior leadership experience is required. All faculty interested in learning more about department leadership are welcome.
Click here to view the full CTL calendar.
NEW for 2026-27: Gather & Grade 👥
Bring your laptop, your grading, and your favorite beverage, and join colleagues for a dedicated block of focused work time. Whether you are catching up on grading, entering final scores, or providing feedback to students, this informal faculty study hall offers a supportive environment where instructors can work alongside one another, exchange ideas, ask questions, and share tips.
These are drop-in sessions, so you do not have to be present for the entire session. (Think of it like a study hall for faculty!)
- Midterm Week Gather & Grade
- Monday, October 19, 2026, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
- Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
- Finals Week Gather & Grade
- Monday, November 30, 2026, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
- Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Click here to view the full CTL calendar.
COMING SOON: High Impact Practices (HIP)💥
High Impact Practices (HIPs) are evidence-based teaching and learning strategies that increase student engagement, persistence, and success. Through the Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL), faculty explore and implement practices such as service learning, undergraduate research, writing-intensive courses, internships, and learning communities.
By supporting the adoption of HIPs, the CTL advances Wright College’s institutional goals of improving the student experience, fostering civic engagement, promoting academic excellence, and strengthening student success outcomes through innovative, student-centered teaching practices.
Click here to view the full CTL calendar.
All Wright College faculty are welcome to attend. Pre-registration is not required! View the full CTL calendar for session descriptions & details.
