The Institute for Learning and Teaching

Master Teacher Initiative

The Master Teacher Initiative (MTI) is a University-wide program to enhance the quality of teaching within CSU's colleges and libraries. The objectives of the MTI are to:

• underscore the importance of quality teaching within the context of the University's overall mission
• provide opportunities for faculty from across a college to address common teaching interests and concerns
• contribute to the creation of a culture where the scholarship of teaching is valued and appreciated

The Master Teacher Initiative was developed by Doug Hoffman, professor of marketing in the College of Business in 2005. Dr. Hoffman, who was appointed as a University Distinguished Teaching Scholar in 2007, now serves as the University coordinator for the initiative and as the MTI leader for the College of Business. Faculty leaders in each of the other colleges and the library develop MTI programs each semester for their colleagues, allowing each MTI to respond to the needs and interests of faculty in specific disciplines.

Master Teacher Workshops

Held once a month during the noon hour (lunch provided), Master Teacher Workshops offer the opportunity to participate in an hour-long session that includes a catered lunch, a brief presentation on a central issue in teaching and learning, and a follow-up discussion of ideas addressed in the presentation. The workshops provide an opportunity to interact with colleagues from disciplines across the College.

Master Teacher Tips of the Week

Each Monday, the College MTI leader sends an email message containing a brief teaching tip. Tips include discussions of plagiarism and cheating, closing routines for class, diversity and teaching, effective teacher attributes, exam design, humor and education, motivating students, understanding students, inspirational materials related to education, and specific tactics relating to adult education. Each tip can be read in five-to-ten minutes and is provided as "food-for-thought." View the Tips ...