On April 17, 2024, Lamar University’s Center for Teaching and Learning Enhancement held a pinning ceremony to honor 45 current and former Lamar University faculty members who have successfully completed the Certificate in Effective Teaching Practice Framework through the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE). The pinning ceremony recognized the commitment of Lamar University faculty to enhancing their teaching methodologies and student engagement through ACUE's comprehensive program.

The ACUE Effective Teaching Practice (ETP) Framework is a rigorous program which delves into modern pedagogical practices through the implementation of evidence-based teaching practices designed to improve student outcomes. The ETP Framework fosters a positive learning environment for a diverse population of student learners and our enrolled faculty learn alongside cohorts of their peers here at Lamar University. The focus is on learning to design an effective course, establish a productive learning environment, use active learning techniques, and inspire inquiry to prepare lifelong learners.

The Pinning Ceremony 

The event began with an opening address by Dr. Ashley Dockens, Associate Dean of Policy and Procedure with the College of Graduate Studies and Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Enhancement, who emphasized the significance of the ACUE certification and its impact on the university community. Dr. Dockens shared a video featuring footage of Lamar faculty in the ACUE program who discussed their experiences and thoughts on its impact. Faculty members expressed gratitude for the opportunity and shared how the training has positively influenced their teaching and ability to connect with students.

Dr. Brett Welch, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Digital Learning, gave a keynote address and thanked Lamar’s ACUE faculty for their commitment to teaching excellence. He talked about his experiences in the classroom and how important professional development is to being an effective educator. Programs like ACUE can help to bridge the gap between being a content expert to being an effective teacher. Teaching is a part of our job description, he said, and professional development teaches us how to be good at teaching.

Our guest speaker, Ali Amjad, Lamar University’s Regional Customer Success Director with ACUE, shared some data about our program. Since the program began, Lamar has enrolled 144 unique faculty members, awarded 45 Certificates in the Effective Teaching Practice Framework and one Advanced Certificate in the Effective Teaching Practice Framework, and we have an impressive 80% completion rate. Ali recognized each ACUE faculty member in attendance as they received their certificate and pin from Dr. Dockens and Dr. Welch.

The ceremony served as a symbolic gesture of Lamar faculty’s dedication to effective teaching practices and student success. We are so proud of those who have earned their Certificates in the Effective Teaching Practice Framework through our ACUE program. Thank you all for your commitment to student success. Special recognition goes to Dr. Elizabeth Long, the first Lamar University faculty member to complete the Advanced Certificate in the Effective Teaching Practice Framework. These faculty members exemplify Lamar University’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering an environment of continuous improvement. Their awards represent a milestone that not only benefits the faculty who received them but also enriches the learning experiences of Lamar University's students. Congratulations to all who were pinned!