While the fall quarter is going by quickly, we know there is still a lot to be done before the end of the term. The TLC is here for you with new workshops and resources to elevate your teaching practice. We’re still accepting proposals for Tiers 1 and 2 of our Educational Grants program to support instructors in enhancing their teaching practices and deploying new technologies. In addition, UCLA Student Experiences of Teaching (SET) surveys will open at the end of this month, and we encourage you to begin discussing the survey process with your students to highlight the importance of sharing their feedback about course experiences. The TLC’s SET FAQs answer common questions students may have on the SET process.
News
UCLA’s Annual Teaching Awards Showcase the Impact of Educational Excellence
The 2025 Andrea L. Rich Night to Honor Teaching recognized Bruin educators who showcase educational innovation and instructional service in the classroom. Read the story
Collegium of University Teaching Fellows Program Expands Course-Based Research Opportunities
Now open for undergraduate registration, the courses help prepare students for future careers while offering advanced doctoral students an opportunity to propose, design, and teach unique research-based courses. Read the story
Postdoctoral Perspectives: An Interview with Valeria Dominguez
The TLC sat down with the Postdoctoral Researcher for the Holistic Evaluation of Teaching (HET) Initiative to get her perspective on the value of educational innovation across research and instruction. Read the interview
Designing Your Online Course Winter Workshop
January 23–February 20, 2026 | Zoom
Applications due December 17
The TLC’s Instructional Design and Media Production team will host a multi-session workshop exploring effective online instructional practices and course design strategies. The goal of the workshop is to develop a course that is grounded in best practices for online instruction that is accessible and welcoming to all learners.
The five-week workshop includes five synchronous sessions, asynchronous activities, and individual meetings with a dedicated instructional designer from the TLC.
(View the tentative schedule) Complete the application
Email idmp@teaching.ucla.edu for more information.
Resources
Guidance for Handling Classroom Disruptions
Physical copies of the General Guidance for Handling Disruptions and Classroom Emergency Preparedness infographics are being distributed to all general assignment classrooms. Instructors may also consider printing these resources to have with them in their classrooms. Additionally, the TLC’s maintaining instructional continuity resources provide insight on managing disruptions.
New Teaching Guide: Classroom Observation
Classroom observation of teaching is a collaborative practice where instructors collectively reflect on instructional approaches. This teaching guide introduces classroom observation as a professional development tool to improve teaching, as well as enhance the assessment of student learning.
Educational Innovation Grants Now Accepting Applications
Tier 1 Seed Grants: Applications open until November 30
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 open until November 30
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.
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. through Week 8 this fall quarter. Visit the 10+10 Pop-up Series website page for the complete schedule.
TA and Postdoc Drop-In Hours
2–4 p.m., November 6 | Powell Library 190
This session is designed for TAs and Postdocs
Consult with the Graduate Student Postdoctoral Scholar Engagement team on teaching-related professional development topics over light snacks and refreshments. Topics include: course design, instructional technology, strategizing for the academic job market, and support with ongoing teaching commitments. Learn more
Taking Off the Rose-Colored Glasses
Justice-centered science curricula for pre-health undergraduates
10–11 a.m., November 12 | Pritzker 1531 and Zoom
Brie Tripp, Associate Professor of Teaching at UC Davis, will explore how undergraduate science education can play a role in addressing persistent health disparities rooted in systemic oppression and implicit bias through justice-centered curricula. The seminar will examine how a community-informed curriculum in an upper-division human physiology course can empower educators to cultivate socially-responsive healthcare professionals and scientists prepared to confront inequities. Register here
A Pedagogy of Unwellness
dear elia Book Discussion
3–4 p.m., November 13 | Powell 190
As part of the Instructor Wellbeing Initiative, the TLC will facilitate a book club for dear elia: letters from the Asian American abyss by Mimi Khúc. A copy of the book will be provided for the first 10 registrants.
Open to all instructors, including graduate students and postdocs. Register here
Self-Care as a Journey
Mission-Driven Approaches to Navigating Wellbeing
3–4 p.m., November 18 | 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
Explaining Complex Concepts Effectively in Your Teaching
3–4 p.m., November 19 | Powell 190
This event is designed for international graduate students and postdocs as part of International Education Week
This interactive workshop will equip instructors with strategies to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively in their courses. Participants will address the unique challenges international instructors face, as well as learn practical techniques for breaking down difficult material. Leave with a concrete action plan and renewed confidence in your teaching. No prior teaching experience is required. Light refreshments will be served. Register here
Preparing to Teach: Efficient Grading
3–4 p.m., November 20 | Zoom
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. Register here
Preparing to Teach: Bring Your Own Syllabus
2–4 p.m., December 3 | Powell Library 190
This session is designed for Instructors, TAs, and Postdocs
Join us for a co-working session during which you will look at example syllabi, consider best practices for student-centered and inclusive syllabus design, and peer review each other’s materials. Register here
TA & Postdoc Drop-in Hours: Social Grading Edition
2–4 p.m., December 11 | Powell Library 190
Join us in Powell Library 190 for TA and postdoc drop-in hours, social grading edition! Work through your end of quarter grading while enjoying refreshments and building community with your fellow TAs. TLC staff members from the Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Engagement (GSPSE) team will also be available to support you. Learn more
From Our Campus Partners
Introduction to SiteImprove Accessibility Software
11 a.m.–noon, November 12 | Zoom
Hosted by the Disabilities and Computing Program (DCP) | Register here
Grade Handwritten Assignments Quickly with Gradescope
2–3 p.m., November 12 | Zoom
Hosted by the Bruin Learn Center for Excellence (CoE) | Register here
Introduction to SiteImprove Accessibility Software
Noon–1 p.m., November 12 | Zoom
Hosted by the Disabilities and Computing Program (DCP) | Register here
Exploring Academic Careers Beyond the Professoriate
with CIRTL Alumni in Centers for Teaching & Learning
9–10 a.m., November 17 | Zoom
This session is designed for TAs and Postdocs
Hosted by the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) | Register here
Assignments and Grading for TAs
2–3 p.m., November 19 | Zoom
Hosted by the Bruin Learn Center for Excellence (CoE) | Register here