Discover, Reflect, and Grow Together
Would you like to be part of a teaching observation program that is appreciative rather than evaluative? Are you teaching online and wish you could see and discuss others’ online teaching? Or, you are an educational developer and interested in other educational developers’ sessions at their institution/organization?
If so, consider joining a teaching square. A Teaching Square is a collaborative program that brings educators together to observe, reflect, and elevate their teaching practice by appreciating what others do well in their teaching. It offers a rare opportunity to step outside your own online teaching situation, witness new approaches, and see teaching through fresh eyes. As a result, you will expand your toolkit and build meaningful connections with colleagues who share a commitment to student success. This model of teaching observation was originally developed by Anne Wessely from St. Louis Community College, St. Louis, Missouri.
What To Expect: You will…
- Meet your small, collegial group of educators (four including you) who are teaching online
- Attend an orientation meeting and grounding for the program
- Visit each persons’ online class once over the semester/term and take note of what you learn from your colleague’s teaching (therefore, you will visit three different online classes)
- Intentionally self-reflect based on your observations about what you could implement into your teaching
- Participate in a closing conversation at the end of the term/semester to share insights and celebrate what you learned from your teaching square colleagues
- Feel a renewed sense of community and motivation
Who can participate
Anyone teaching online (fully, partially, asynchronously, and/or synchronously) whether a credit or non-credit course/workshop at any size institution, no matter your position or where you are situated in the world. As your facilitator, I will ensure you are matched with colleagues in similar time zones. When you sign up, you will be asked to state your preferences as to the type of group you want to be assigned to.
Cost
There is no cost to be part of this program. However, as a participant, you commit to visiting your peers’ classes and attend the orientation and closing meeting.
Deadline for January term sign-up
January 5, 2026
Post-deadline, all participants will be contacted and invited to the orientation meeting on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 3 pm Eastern Time (12 pm Pacific Time).
If interested, sign up today and be part of a shared commitment to teaching excellence.
Testimonials:
The courses I have taken from Cynthia have provided me with a theoretical foundation that I use to better understand how to design classroom environments that promote learning. That foundation gives me an improved capacity to articulate pedagogical concepts so that I can perform effective literature searches to continuously improve my own teaching methods. Being able to engage literature effectively then gives me more confidence to take risks and evolve my courses at a faster rate.
Former faculty member student
Dr. Korpan is very skilled in online teaching and learning, using many effective options for learning in that environment and was able to give fulsome and helpful feedback to all students. Cynthia’s knowledge of learning and teaching in university settings is extensive. Her skills as an educator ensures that her courses and classes are organized, interesting, interactive, and engaging.
Peer colleague
Cynthia is a great instructor. Very knowledgeable about the subject matter. Good choices for assessment. Highly student–centered (i.e., not lecture–based) course activities. One of the best courses that I have taken or observed. Overall, she is a fantastic instructor and role model for teaching.
Former graduate student
Dr. Korpan is a delight to work with and is genuinely sincere, open, and considerate. She brings extensive research experience to her work and simultaneously helps others thrive in their own teaching and scholarship of teaching. Above all else, she understands educational excellence from a variety of perspectives: her extensive understanding of the research in the field; her own research studies and editing experiences; her program-building capabilities; and her hard work and innovation.
Peer colleague
Cynthia Korpan, PhD
Director
ITeach: Certification in Higher Ed Inc
About me
I have over 20 years experience in Educational Development in Higher Education and over 35 years related to workplace learning. As the former Director of Teaching Excellence at the University of Victoria, I garnered significant experience in developing programs and courses, teaching undergraduates, graduate students, and professors, and mentoring many about learning and teaching in higher education. In 2017, I was honoured with the Educational Developers Caucus Leadership Award for my national work related to educational development. My research focuses on emerging and early career academics’ first teaching in the academic workplace. This work and my expertise have been and continues to be shared with institutions around the world, such as Canada, the United States, China, Uganda, Pakistan, and Ghana.
