The UCLA Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) has programs, resources, and opportunities to help instructors prepare for the new academic year and incorporate innovative teaching methods. Our curated webpages for instructors, TAs and postdocs, and departments will connect you with the support you need, and our new Timely Teaching Resources offer guidance on key topics so you can start the quarter strong. Additionally, make sure to connect with the TLC on our new LinkedIn page for more insights throughout the year.
News
Learning Community Pilot will Engage Public Health Instructors to Advance Real-world Student Experiences
Through the Project SPARK Learning Community, faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, and teaching assistants at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health will explore strategies for using community engagement across the curriculum. Read the story
Educators Examine Innovative Classroom Strategies at the New Instructor Teaching Institute
More than 80 new instructors participated the two-day professional development event exploring teaching frameworks to support all learners and help foster a welcoming classroom community. Read the story
Events
10 + 10 Pop-up Series
UCLA educational developers and designers offer a series of 10-minute virtual pop-up sessions on course design, teaching, learning, and learning assessment topics—each followed by 10 minutes of Q&A and interactive discussion. Join us on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. starting Week 2 this fall quarter. Visit the 10+10 Pop-up Series website page for the complete schedule.
Instructor Wellbeing
Self-Care as a Journey: Mission-Driven Approaches to Navigating Mental Health
3–4:30 p.m., October 14 | Young Research Library 21570
This session is designed for instructors of record
Facilitated by Drea Letamendi, Ph.D., Director of UCLA Compassionate Response Program (CORE)
This workshop delivers evidence-based strategies from the psychology field for deepening resilience, cultivating belonging, and affirming purpose in one’s teaching and research. Rooted in authentic storytelling frameworks, this training offers strategies to prevent burnout and restore one’s capacity for engaged, compassionate teaching. From improving interpersonal effectiveness to mitigating stressors, these skills will help instructors reflect on their unique journeys and lived experiences to align their professional practices with their personal values. Register here
Preparing to Teach: Active Learning
2–3 p.m., October 23 | Powell Library 190
This session is designed for Instructors, TAs, and Postdocs
Active learning is a tried-and-true approach to inclusively engage students in their learning. After reviewing the benefits and principles of active learning, this training will explore classroom activities and tools suitable for a range of disciplines, course sizes, and modalities. Following a demonstration of in-class strategies, participants will identify active learning strategies suitable for their context and consider equity and accessibility considerations for their implementation. Register here
From Postdoc to Professor: A Teaching Readiness Intensive
10 a.m.–2 p.m., October 24 | Powell Library 190
Developing Your Teaching Philosophy (session led by TLC staff)
Course Design Fundamentals (session led by TLC and CIRTL staff)
This multi-session program supports postdoctoral scholars preparing for teaching-focused academic careers. Participants will deepen their understanding of evidence-based, student-centered, and inclusive teaching practices; gain experience with core elements of course design; and develop materials such as a teaching philosophy. This program also creates opportunities to connect with peers and mentors committed to teaching excellence and is part of UCLA’s annual Postdoctober recognition month. Participants can attend one or both sessions. Lunch will be served. Register here
Speaking Across Conflict
Noon–3 p.m., October 28 | Young Research Library 21570
This session is designed for TAs and Postdocs
The UCLA Dialogue across Difference Initiative (DaD) is offering this interactive workshop to provide graduate students and postdoctoral scholars with practical strategies to communicate across charged political differences in and out of the classroom. These skills are based on the methodology of Resetting the Table, a nationally-renowned organization dedicated to building honest and open communication. Lunch will be served. Register here
Preparing to Teach: Efficient Grading
1–2 p.m., October 28 | Powell Library 190
This session is designed for Instructors, TAs, and Postdocs
Join us for a workshop on time-saving strategies for grading courses with many students. Along with a walkthrough of how to leverage feedback tools, we will discuss the differences between assessment and grading, as well as how you can establish feedback loops with your class without having to give detailed comments on every student submission. Participants will have the opportunity to brainstorm with colleagues and leave prepared to integrate a new strategy or tool into their course. Register here
Resources
New: Timely Teaching Resources
Our newsroom offers bite-sized content on specific teaching and learning topics. Check out some of our recent posts for timely guidance:
First Day/Week of Class Teaching Checklist
How to Craft Student Learning Objectives
Syllabus Components
Short Guide to Teaching with TAs
Teaching Assistants (TAs) play a critical role in facilitating student learning at UCLA. This updated guide offers strategies for how instructors can create effective teaching teams and includes embedded resources to help establish shared expectations and align lecture and section goals.
How and Why to Talk to Students About GenAI
Eighty-three percent of students in the 2025 UCLA Senior Survey reported that conversations about GenAI are happening in their classes. This bulletin highlights key findings from the survey and offers strategies for engaging students in thoughtful conversations about GenAI.
Making your Course Accessible
The TLC and campus partners are working to enhance our digital accessibility resources for instructors in alignment with UCLA and UC commitments to inclusive excellence. These guides offer detailed instructions on how to make digital materials accessible for the start of the quarter.
Teaching Resource Index
Our new comprehensive index provides a sortable overview of all teaching and learning resources at the TLC based on topic and resource type. Discover bulletins, guides, and other resources by topic to help elevate your teaching.
Educational Innovation Grants Now Accepting Applications
Tier 1 Seed Grants
Applications close October 31
Support small-scale, short-term projects that augment instruction. Instructors of record for undergraduate, graduate, and professional student courses at UCLA are eligible to request up to $1,000 per academic year. Learn more
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis within two instructional weeks of submission.
Tier 2 Sandbox Grants
Applications close October 3
Provide funding to support instructor-initiated projects that improve teaching practices and curriculum. Instructors of record for undergraduate, graduate, and professional student courses at UCLA are eligible to request up to $6,000 per academic year. Learn more
All applications will be scored together, and those selected will receive a notification of approval within two instructional weeks.
From Our Campus Partners
Ally Accessibility Trainings for Bruin Learn
Hosted by the Disability and Computing Programs (DCP)
See the schedule for dates and times
Bruin Learn Office Hours
Hosted by the Bruin Learn Center for Excellence (CoE)
See the schedule for dates and times
Gemini for Education College Tour
For Faculty: Gemini Lunch & Learn
Noon–1:30 p.m., October 9 | University Club
Hosted by Digital & Technology Solutions (DTS)
Register here
Teaching Table for STEM Classrooms
3–4 p.m., October 9 | Terasaki 1100
Hosted by the Center for Education Innovation & Learning in the Sciences
Register here
Assignments and Grading
3–4 p.m., October 14 | Zoom
Hosted by the Bruin Learn Center for Excellence (CoE)
Register here
Other Funding Opportunities
Project Pericles invites faculty and staff from higher education institutions to apply for mini-grants to design innovative pedagogical approaches that develop students’ civic agency and place civic learning at the heart of higher education. Learn more