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Teaching Squares Program

A square logo for the teaching squares program with the letters TS overlaid on the 7 domains of the teaching effectiveness framework accompanied by the phrase "a self-reflective growth opportunity."

What is a Teaching Square?

A teaching square is a group of four instructors who agree to observe each other during a semester, using an agreed upon set of observation norms. It is designed to be a non-evaluative, supportive, and growth-based process. Participants set at least one personal teaching goal and then observe others before reflecting on their own practice.

What are the Benefits of Joining a Teaching Square?

In addition to reflecting on their own teaching practices, participants benefit from making connections with colleagues, sharing ideas, reigniting their passion for teaching, and having time set aside to discuss best instructional practices with supportive peers.

Teaching Square participants have the opportunity to earn Domain Experience Units (DEUs), which contribute toward earning a Teaching Effectiveness Certificate in the domain selected for that academic year.

What are Domain Experience Units?

The Teaching Effectiveness Framework (TEF), provides faculty with a set of pedagogical competencies to help focus their developing teaching practice. The TEF includes seven essential, interrelated domains of effective teaching practices grounded in the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Faculty members at Vermont State University have the ability to earn domain experience units by engaging in Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation (CTLI)-sponsored professional development opportunities focused on a particular domain. Faculty members can then earn a Teaching Effectiveness Certificate in that domain. The number of DEUs available varies by activity based on the level of complexity and time commitment involved in completing it.

How Many DEUs Can I Earn for Completing a Teaching Square?

A participating faculty member can earn up to 7 domain experience units for completing a teaching square.

How Does the Process Work?

  1. Submit the teaching squares interest form (below) to the CTLI.
  2. Receive assignment to a group based on the feedback provided in the interest form.
  3. As a group of 4, hold an initial meeting – live or virtual – early in the semester to build rapport, discuss your goals, and establish group expectations.
  4. Create a visitation schedule so each member has an opportunity to observe the other three participants. The syllabus and class materials should be available prior to the class visit.
  5. Visit at least one class for each of your square-mates, and take notes on your colleagues’ teaching practices. The intention of the notes is to aid in your own self-reflection not as an evaluative tool.
  6. Hold a second meeting with the members of your square at the end of the semester to discuss what you’ve learned, ask each other questions, and process new ideas. This conversation could be helpful in completing your formal and culminating self-reflection activity.
  7. Complete and submit your individual self-reflection form.
  8. Receive an email from the CTLI acknowledging that your form has been received and the associated DEUs have been recorded.

How are Faculty Members Assigned to a Square?

The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation organizes squares by campus, which provides some logistical benefits. This format makes classroom observation and meeting scheduling more efficient, and reduces inter-campus travel, which can often be impacted by outside commitments and inclement weather.

Situational Factors

Teaching Triangles

If only three faculty members from a given campus express an interest in participating in a teaching square, an exception will be made, which will allow the group to complete the program as a teaching triangle. The process remains the same, but with one fewer participant.

Waitlists and Outreach

If fewer than three faculty members from a given campus express an interest in joining a teaching square, the interested parties will be temporarily waitlisted and the CTLI will conduct targeted recruitment of other faculty colleagues from that particular campus. Waitlisted faculty members are also encouraged to conduct their own recruitment efforts by sharing the Teaching Squares Interest Form with peers who may want to join the group.

My courses are offered asynchronously online. Can I participate in a teaching square?

Yes, faculty members teaching asynchronously online can participate in a teaching square. Unlike a traditional teaching square, participants are unable to observe their colleagues directly during a set meeting time. As a result, members of a square will be provided with access to each other’s courses for an agreed upon period of time to observe online specific activities, such as discussion board facilitation.

I understand that there are 7 domains in the Teaching Effectiveness Framework. Does it matter which one I select?

Based on faculty feedback, the CTLI makes one domain per year a focal point for professional development. In order to earn more DEUs and potentially a certificate in the selected domain, it is recommended that members of teaching squares focus on practices related to that year’s TEF domain.

Express Your Interest in Participating

Begin the process by submitting the Teaching Squares Interest Form. In doing so, you will have the option to either join formed group at random or submit the names of the four participants in your group.

Teaching Squares Interest Form