The CNS Expert Teaching Assessment Program (CETAP) promotes a culture of continuous improvement of teaching across the college via peer-to-peer coaching. A CETAP assessment consists of a pre-observation consultation, review of course materials, a class observation, a post-observation consultation and written documentation of evidence in a standardized report format.
The CNS “external evaluation” initiative was launched in 2017 and scaled to include faculty fellows in 2022. To date, CETAP has performed over 400 teaching assessments, and 27 of our colleagues have served as fellows.
Probably the most useful set of suggestions on my teaching that I’ve ever received.
– CETAP Client
For Fellows
Joining CETAP as a Fellow is a wonderful opportunity to meet colleagues outside of your home department, share ideas with fellow instructors in a supportive environment, and even benefit your own teaching practice.
CETAP Fellows will:
- Attend a three-hour, in-person orientation workshop about a week before fall classes begin, focusing on CNS and UT policies and best practices for formative assessment of teaching
- Visit the class of a veteran fellow in a small group and complete a practice assessment, with feedback and support at every stage
- Choose five instructors to visit and complete assessments by May.
A short application form is distributed during the spring semester, and fellows are notified in May. Questions about the fellowship may be directed to stemx@cns.utexas.edu.
For Instructors
Instructors are currently contacted by the CETAP program after we consult with departments and receive lists of recommended instructors to visit. These lists are generally based on years in rank. If you are in your second year in rank or have an upcoming high-stakes review (such as a third-year review, mid-probationary review or promotion/tenure review), your department will notify us and a fellow will reach out to you during the academic year. After your assessment is completed, the fellow will send a signed copy of your report to you, which you may use for your annual review or for promotion and tenure purposes.
CETAP reviews count as a peer assessment of teaching in promotion and tenure dossiers. For more information about peer observation requirements, refer to the CNS Faculty Affairs site and Provost’s Promotion & Tenure site.
If you have a high-stakes review coming up in the next year and you have not been contacted by a CETAP fellow, please email stemx@cns.utexas.edu.
For Departments
The Office of STEM Education Excellence supports departments in strengthening peer observation and teaching assessment practices through the CNS Expert Teaching Assessment Program (CETAP) and related workshops.
Departments may request short presentations at faculty meetings or stand-alone sessions tailored to their needs. These sessions can include:
- Overview of STEMx programs and opportunities for faculty engagement
- Focused presentations on peer observations of teaching and the college’s expert teaching assessment process
- Workshops on peer observation techniques, effective reporting, and mentoring colleagues through formative feedback
These offerings are designed to help departments build a shared understanding of goals, expectations, and evidence in peer evaluation of teaching.
Download the Peer Teaching Observations in CNS handout used in workshops below.
Peer Teaching Observations in CNS
To request a departmental presentation or consultation, email stemx@cns.utexas.edu.