Pictured from LTR: Jaclyn Caires-Hurley, Jennifer Vaughn, Leanne Merrill, and Melissa Cannon. Not pictured: Carmen Caceda, Kathleen Connolly, Patricia Flatt, Sue Kunda, Omar Melchor-Ayala, Christopher Solario, and Kendra Taylor.
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Center for Teaching and Learning offers valuable opportunities and resources for faculty to enhance their teaching practices, both online and in-person.
The CTL focuses on faculty development programming, instructional design consultations, and the integration of technology in education. One of its primary goals is to deliver high-quality, inclusive courses funded through sustainability initiatives. This includes providing grants that equip faculty with the tools and resources needed to diversify and decolonize the curriculum.
Jaclyn Caires-Hurley, Ph.D., associate professor of Multicultural Education and Critical Pedagogy, launched an initiative for ten faculty members to explore culturally sustaining pedagogy with the support of equity coaching this past spring, utilizing grant funding.
This program model integrates culturally sustaining practices with instructional design, engaging faculty through community-responsive research. This approach actively involves community members, organizations, and stakeholders to drive meaningful change. Over the course of ten weeks, the faculty members will learn about culturally and linguistically sustainable pedagogy and reflect on how to transform their teaching through critical, multicultural perspectives.
“This opportunity would not have been possible without the Center for Teaching and Learning,” shares Caires-Hurley. “I think equity coaching is a valuable resource for faculty looking to transform their practices from a lens of cultural sustainability.”
Looking ahead, Caires-Hurley envisions expanding this program beyond a single term, allowing participating faculty more time to learn, plan, implement, and reflect on their teaching practices.
Learn more about the Center for Teaching and Learning
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.
