Events will be held in the TLC, Phillips (Building 3), room 3-125 or via Microsoft Teams. Select the title to access the Teams link. Each workshop refers to the associated goal in the College's Strategic Plan.

Adjunct faculty who attend two sessions during the Fall and Spring TLC calendar receive the Adjunct Teaching Institute Stipend of $50, contingent upon funding. Information will be provided during the session on how to get credit for attendance. Presentation evaluations are also available in the session description. We strongly encourage your feedback.

Request a letter of participation in the TLC

August

Durham Tech Professional Learning Presentations

Wednesday, August 30, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. 
Creating a Healthy Eating Lifestyle 
Presented by: Kevin Lawrence - Health and Wellness Success Coach

First of a two-part series. This session will be virtual and focus on our mental challenges while trying to create a healthy and sustainable eating lifestyle. The main topic will be why we face challenges and begin to think of personal strategies that each person can incorporate into their life. Each person will leave the meeting with tips, new strategies, and one activity that will be shared for the second session. The second session is scheduled for September 13th in person. Further details are located on the TLC calendar.

Durham Tech Pathway to Academic Excellence

September

Durham Tech Professional Learning Presentations

Friday, September 1, 1:00 pm 
Learning Conversations - Self-Care Interest Group

In collaboration with the Public Health Officer and MHFA trainers, the TLC will introduce the self-care interest group as a part of a learning conversations series being offered this semester. The self-care learning conversation will use a book that guides our learning process through six essential dimensions of wellness. Participants will have the opportunity to check out the book as a part of their self-care journey. If you are interested in being a part of the self-care learning conversation, please join us during this informative session. 

Wednesday, September 6, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. 
Durham Tech Learning Competencies: Why are they important? 
Presented by Dr. Cathy James-Springer, Director of Organizational Development and Learning

Organizations often have a vision for what an ideal employee looks like. These can include areas of knowledge, skills, and behavior. As we continue to rethink our professional development, learning competencies were developed that align with our core values. The presentation will discuss our Durham Tech Learning Competencies and their relationship to organizational performance and culture. Participants will discuss the rationale for developing learning competencies and understand Durham Tech's Learning Competencies.

Durham Tech Pathway to Academic Excellence 
 

Wednesday, September 12, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.  
Employee Assistance Program: A Supervisors’ Guide to NexGen EAP  
Presented by Jordan Woloch, Managing Director, Customer Relations 

This presentation is geared toward supervisors, managers, and leaders and will focus on how supervisors can recognize employees who may be in need, how they can go about providing support while keeping the supervisor/employee relationship on a professional level, cover general mental health first aid processes for providing support. Join us to learn additional ways to support your employees.  
Learning Outcomes: Learn how Durham Tech's Employee Assistance Program can support employees in managing various potential challenges that might affect their job performance. Help supervisors learn to recognize and resolve behavioral health or job-related performance issues.  
 

Wednesday, September 13, 11:00 a.m. – Noon, Ingram (Building 11), room 11 - 103 
Accessibility Services 101 
Presented by: Dr. Samantheo Marcellus, Coordinator, Counseling and Accessibility/504 Services

This presentation will discuss the processes students need to follow and complete in order to receive accommodation at Durham Tech.  Come learn about this process (along with so new processes and information), the role and responsibilities of students and employee with regards to accessibility services and implementing accommodations, and to ask questions.    
Learning Outcomes: To better understand the application process of receiving accommodation at Durham Tech in order to better direct and assist students. To understand the purpose and role of accessibility services on the campus. 
Durham Tech Pathway to Academic Excellence

Wednesday, September 13, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.,  Ingram (Building 11), room 11 - 203 
Creating a Healthy Eating Lifestyle  
Presented by: Kevin Lawrence - Health and Wellness Success Coach

Second of a two-part session. This session will be in-person as we start to strategize and work toward healthier eating habits. This session will help each person focus on ONE minor and ONE long-term goal that is individualized for each person's need. Check-ins are available for individuals who are interested in focusing on their goals. 

Durham Tech Pathway to Academic Excellence

Wednesday, September 13, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. 
Employee Assistance Program: Understanding your NexGen Support 
Presented by Jordan Woloch, Managing Director, Customer Relations

This presentation helps employees understand how Durham Tech's Employee Assistance Program can help them manage problems that may impact their job via counseling, consultation, and resources. You'll also learn which of your family members are eligible for this support and how they can access it.

Learning Outcomes: Learn how Durham Tech's Employee Assistance Program can support employees in managing various potential challenges that might affect their job performance. 
Learn how to utilize Durham Tech's Employee Assistance Program. 
Durham Tech Pathway to Institutional Excellence

Monday, September 18, 2:00  – 3:00 p.m. 
All about Course Substitutions 
Presented by Dr. Jennifer Servi-Roberts, Director of Curriculum Development, Assessment, and Compliance

Learn about the course substitution process - what courses are eligible, standard course substitutions, unique substitutions, and most importantly, how to submit a course substitution.  
Durham Tech Pathway to Institutional Excellence 

Wednesday, September 20, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 
Digital badges vs. Micro-credentials the New World of Recognition 
Presented by: Dr. Cathy James-Springer, Director of Organizational Development and Learning 

The terms badging and micro-credentials are often used interchangeably. The presentation will discuss the two terms’ relevance in a changing education landscape. Participants will learn the unique characteristics of badges and micro-credentials and be able to explain the relevance of badging and micro-credentialing to the education sector. 
Durham Tech Pathway to Academic Excellence

Thursday, September 21, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 
All about Course Substitutions 
Presented by Dr. Jennifer Servi-Roberts, Director of Curriculum Development, Assessment, and Compliance

Learn about the course substitution process - what courses are eligible, standard course substitutions, unique substitutions, and most importantly, how to submit a course substitution.  
Durham Tech Pathway to Institutional Excellence 
 

Thursday, September 28, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wynn (Building 10), room 10-114 CANCELED 
Learning Conversations – Self-Care 
Moderated by TLC Coordinator in collaboration with Public Health Officer, Mental Health First Aid Trainers, and Counseling Services

The learning conversation on self-care will take place in a learning space to have informal conversations on the dimensions of wellness. Participants will explore the six dimensions of wellness and how employees can commit to themselves to serve students, colleagues, and the institution. The self-care learning conversation will use a book that guides our learning process through six essential dimensions of wellness. Participants can check out the book as a part of their self-care journey in Phillips Building 3, Suite 103. 
Durham Tech Pathway to Institutional Excellence 

Central Hub Professional Learning Presentations

Friday, September 1, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Central Hub Registration required 
Central Hub Information Session 
Presented by Codirectors Blake Whitley, Central Carolina Community College, and Marye Vance, Durham Technical Community College

This information session is intended to share the purpose and functions of the Central Hub. We will share how our State's NC Teaching and Learning Hubs impact professional learning opportunities for faculty and staff.

Friday, September 8, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Central Hub Presentation - Registration Required 
Speaking Truth to and with Power for Leaders, Teams, Teachers, and Practitioners 
Presented by Dr. Sonny Kelly, CEO and Lead Teacher/Learner, Legacy Heirs Productions Inc. 

This interactive workshop will be led by Dr. Sonny Kelly, an expert in interpersonal communication. Participants will actively engage in the practice of forging diverse personal connections in innovative and practical ways. Using storytelling, poetry, and examples from participants' own experiences, Dr. Kelly will lead them through a process of diagnosing and developing positive and confirming communication climates versus negative and disconfirming communication climates. Participants will learn clear tactics to effectively create and maintain positive and confirming communication climates, while speaking truth to power ("coaching up") and speaking truth with power ("coaching down" and "coaching laterally"). Finally, participants will garner some crucial skills that will help them to navigate and positively impact existing conflict, as well as negative or disconfirming communication climates. All of this hinges upon a commitment to adopting a dual perspective – putting ourselves in others’ shoes just long enough to understand the world through their eyes (Julia T. Wood, 2020).

Friday, September 22, 11:00 a.m. - Noon, Central Hub Presentation - Registration Required 
Introduction to Generative AI from an Instructor's Perspective 
::Presented by Janel Thompson, Chair of the English and Communications Department; LaDelta “Del” Williams, M.B.A., M.Ed, Chair of the First-Year Experience and College Success Department; Robbi Muckenfuss, Chair of the Developmental English Department

Generative artificial intelligence (also known as generative AI or GenAI) is artificial intelligence capable of generating text, images, or other media, using generative models. Generative AI models learn the patterns and structure of their input training data and then generate new data that has similar characteristics. This session will briefly introduce Generative AI, focusing on the challenges and opportunities it presents in our classes. This workshop will allow participants to share concerns about AI while hearing from colleagues about their experiences. 

Participant Outcomes: 
Identify challenges associated with students using generative AI when completing assignments. 
Identify opportunities afforded by generative AI usage in the classroom and beyond. 
Explore hands-on demonstration of AI usage in the classroom.

Friday, September 29, 11:00 a.m. – Noon, Central Hub Presentation - Registration Required CANCELED 
Culturally Relevant Teaching and (co)Learning 
Presented by Dr. Lenora Crabtree, Instructor for UNCC’s Cato College of Education 

“Culturally relevant” instruction is a buzzword in education today, especially among schools and organizations seeking to address systemic inequities. But what does it actually mean to engage in culturally relevant teaching? During this interactive presentation, participants will have an opportunity to explore the origins of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy in the grounded theory research of Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings. Questions to be explored in this session include the following: According to research, what does culturally relevant teaching and learning look like in action? Is it possible to teach in culturally relevant ways in a setting with students from varied cultures? Participants in this session will be encouraged to consider how they might engage in culturally relevant teaching and (co)learning in their own unique context.

October

Durham Tech Professional Learning Presentations

Wednesday, October 11, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Wynn (Building 10), room 10 - 115 
Code of Conduct vs. Behavior of Concern: How do you know which one is right?  
Presented by Dr. Holly June, Dean of Student Services 

This presentation will go over the difference between submitting a conduct case and a behavior of concern for a student. Participants will leave with an understanding of how to submit a behavior of concern and how to submit a student conduct case. Participants will also leave with an understanding of documentation that can be submitted or documentation that may be asked for during an investigation process. 

Employees will choose Durham Tech first because we create and sustain a great college working environment.

Thursday, October 12, 10:00 am – 11:00 am Wynn (Building 10), room 301

ASAP - Apprenticeship Skills Achievement Program
Presented by: Dr. Norman Collins, Sr., Apprenticeship Coordinator

Presentation description: This presentation is designed to create awareness, understanding, and engagement in registered apprenticeships and how it can be leveraged to ensure a clear pathway to sustainable employment outcomes for students and provide recruitment and retention for employers. Participants will learn the elements of a registered apprenticeship and understand the benefits of apprenticeships for students, employers, and Durham Tech.
Durham Tech Pathway to Institutional Excellence 

Tuesday, October 17, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 
Advising Nursing Students to Success 
Presented by Lori Heiger, Academic Advising, Dorothy Yates, Admissions Counselor, Nursing and Kevin Lawrence, Success Coach, Health and Wellness

The presentation will focus on how to successfully advise a student when the student states that they want to go into nursing including the various options available in nursing for a student attending Durham Tech, the admissions process for the Durham Tech nursing programs, and the resources that Durham Tech has to offer for students who have difficulties along the way to getting into a nursing program and beyond. Participants will have an understanding of advising nursing students and guiding students to the proper resources. 
Durham Tech Pathway to Academic Excellence

Wednesday, October 18, 11:00 a.m. – Noon 
What is Bulls Academy? 
Presented by Dr. Shana Curl, BULLS Resource Specialist and Guest Panelist from Made in Durham and Bulls Ambassador

Ever wonder what the BULLS program is that you've heard about? Join us to learn more about the BULLS Academy and how we create the talent pipeline for the biotech industry through our partnership with Made in Durham. Attendees will be able to explain the BULLS Academy outcomes and assist students in determining if the program is a good fit. They will also be able to describe some of the local biotech job opportunities. 
Durham Tech Pathway to Institutional Excellence

Tuesday, October 24, 11:00 a.m. – Noon, Ingram (Building 11), room 11 - 103 
Accessibility Services 101 
Presented by Dr. Samantheo Marcellus, Coordinator, Counseling and Accessibility/504 Services

This presentation will discuss the processes students need to follow and complete in order to receive accommodation at Durham Tech.  Come learn about this process (along with so new processes and information), the role and responsibilities of students and employees with regards to accessibility services and implementing accommodations, and ask questions.

Learning Outcomes: To better understand the application process of receiving accommodation at Durham Tech in order to better direct and assist students. To understand the purpose and role of accessibility services on the campus. 
Durham Tech Pathway to Academic Excellence

Central Hub Professional Learning Presentations

Tuesday, October 10, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Central Hub Presentation - Registration required 
Dismantling Deficit Thinking 
Presented by Dr. Sharon Warren-Cook, Vice President of Student Affairs CUNY-Kingsborough Community College

Although deficit thinking has existed for some time, scholarly analyses of it have become increasingly common over the last two decades. In general, deficit thinking holds that students from historically oppressed populations are responsible for the challenges and inequalities that they face. We will cover the four central themes that illustrate how deficit thinking is conceptualized and defined in existing research: a blame-the-victim orientation, a grounding in larger complex systems of oppression, a pervasive and often implicit nature, and effects that reinforce hegemonic systems. Research suggests that these four interdependent themes represent critical aspects of the conceptualization of deficit thinking and impact student retention and success.

None of these elements alone are comprehensive enough to constitute deficit thinking; rather, all four aspects of deficit thinking are important for understanding its nature within educational settings. This form of thinking is harmful for two reasons: 1) it can lead to educators assuming that nothing can be done to support the student, and 2) it can lead to educators lowering expectations for the student.

Learning Outcomes: Define deficit thinking or the utilization of a deficit paradigm in your work. Clarify how historically marginalized students in community colleges are impacted. Identify alternative strategies to deficit thinking. Illuminate the role that communication plays in deficit thinking.

October 12 – 26, Central Hub Presentation - Registration required 
North Carolina Student Success Center 
Presented by Dr. Lane Freeman, Director of Online Learning, NC Community Colleges

Pick a session that works best for you! 
Oct. 12, 2023 | 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm 
Oct. 13, 2023 | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm 
Oct. 24, 2023 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm or 
Oct. 26, 2023 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Join us for an Interactive Learning Lab, a dynamic virtual environment where you’ll engage in hands-on activities, collaborate with peers, and gain practical insights to enhance your knowledge about artificial intelligence. This presentation serves as a concise yet comprehensive introduction to the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a special focus on Large Language Models (LLMs), in the realm of higher education.

Designed for faculty and staff of community colleges, the session aims to demystify the complex world of AI and make it accessible and applicable in everyday educational settings. Participants will have ample opportunities to engage in interactive discussions, ask questions, and gain hands-on experience. The session will showcase real-world examples of AI applications in the classroom, from automating administrative tasks to enhancing student engagement. One of the highlights of this presentation is an introduction to ‘prompt writing.’ By the end of this session, participants will not only have a foundational understanding of AI but also practical insights into leveraging it for educational excellence and experiences. Stay ahead of the curve and discover how to harness the power of AI to shape a better educational future for all students.

NC-NET North Carolina Network for Teaching Excellence
On-demand Courses Available 
Start Teaching Today! Each course is self-enrolled, self-paced. 
Teaching Contextually
Adjunct Faculty Roadmap
Exploring Stackable Credentials
Teaching Employability Skills 
Teaching Remotely
Employability Skills for Student Success in the Workplace 
Teaching Necessary Skills NOW! 
Critical Thinking for the 21st Century 

Wednesday, October 18, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Central Hub Registration required 
Adapting Assignments to Account for the Availability of Generative AI 
Presented by Jonathan Cook, Coordinator/Instructor, English and Communication, LaDelta “Del” Williams, M.B.A., M.Ed, is the chair of the First-Year Experience and College Success, Robbi Muckenfuss, Chair of the Developmental English Department; Janel Thompson, Chair of the English and Communications Department

This session will build on the discussion started in our previous session. We will explore how to create assignments that accurately assess learning outcomes in a world where generative AI is readily available to students. We will consider when and how to facilitate a student's use of AI and reflect on instructors’ role in helping students navigate the emerging educational environment. 

  • Participant Learning Outcome: 
    Participants will identify how students access AI tools and resources.
  • Participants will reflect on how assignments address course learning outcomes in light of the availability of generative AI
  • Participants will engage in a discussion about the role of an instructor in helping students understand appropriate uses of generative AI 

Thursday, October 19, 1:00  - 2:00 p.m., Central Hub Presentation - Registration required. 
Alternative Grading Practices 
Presented by Ian Wolf, Instructor, English, Vance-Granville Community College

In the face of generative artificial intelligence (AI) advancements, pandemics, hyflex, and recent "pivots," it stands to reason we must reevaluate how we value, structure, and assess learning. Our grading practices remain inequitable, misaligned, and ill-informed regarding learning science. Furthermore, shifting assessment practices can be daunting. Through this session, participants will critically evaluate their grading systems, and further develop pedagogically collaborative relationships. Participants will also develop a specific alternative grading application for their teaching and identify at least one "lead" to satisfy their professional curiosity.

Wednesday, October 25, 11:00 a.m. – Noon, Central Hub Presentation - Registration required. 
Navigating Your Self-Care and Wellness Journey for Optimal Mental Health 
Presented by Dr. Letitia Johnson-Arnold, MS, CHES, NBC-HWC, CHWI 
Community Health Worker Coordinator/Instructor, Durham Technical Community College

This session will define mental health, mental health challenges, and mental health disorders and discuss important mental health and wellness concepts. Mental health facts will be presented to assist participants in understanding how challenges may influence daily life. Factors that impact mental health and keys to recovery will also be explored. Participants will be provided with practical self-care strategies and resources that may be used to support optimal mental health. 
Learning Outcomes: Participants will define mental health, mental health challenges, and mental health disorders. Describe how mental health challenges may influence daily life. List factors that impact mental health. Describe keys to recovery for mental health. List strategies and resources that may be used to support optimal mental health.

November

November Professional Development Training

Friday, November 3, 10:00  – 11:00 a.m.   
Tools for your Canvas Toolbox  
Presented by Alan Brown, Instructional Technology Support Specialist 
This presentation will offer a collection of tools that can be used by instructors who use Canvas. The presentation content will include time-saving strategies, tips for working with content to improve course design and the overall student experience, and demos of handy features that are available within tools you already use, such as settings, people, gradebook, and quizzes.

Participant Learning Outcomes: Learn tips and time-saving strategies that can be applied to using Canvas as an instructor. 
Durham Tech Pathway to Institutional Excellence

Wednesday, November 8, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Ingram (Building 11), room 103 
"To Me from Me with Love ... Always" 
Presented by Dr. Norman Collins, Sr., Apprenticeship Coordinator

This presentation promotes self-efficacy and self-preservation by identifying avenues by which one learns to maximize one's ability to exist and live and thrive. 
Participants will recognize the need for individuals to engage in self-FULL-ness that aids in self-LESS-ness and learn techniques that promote self-WELL-ness and lead to self-WEALTH-ness 
Durham Tech Pathway to Institutional Excellence

Thursday, November 16, 2:00 – 3:00 pm, Newton Makerspace (Building 4), room 4-120  
Let’s get innovative! Exploring the use of the Newton Maker Space for Instruction  
Presented by Maryah Smith-Overman, Assistant Dean, BEST; Director/Instructor Construction Trades; Ben Lock, Director/Instructor Welding and Computer-Integrated Machining; Michael Mattox,  Newton Maker Space Manager

The workshop will take place in the Maker Space in the front of the Newton bldg. This is an opportunity for faculty to learn about Maker Space and how other instructors use it to enhance course content and spark student creativity. We'll discuss how to get trained on the equipment, instructor use, and student access and brainstorm how this space can enhance courses across the college. 

Participant Learning Outcomes: Participants will walk away knowledgeable about equipment in the maker space and how to get trained on it. Participants will leave with ideas about Makerspace integration into their courses.  
Durham Tech Pathway to Institutional Excellence 

Central Hub Professional Learning Presentations

Tuesday, November 7, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Central Hub Presentation - Registration required. 
Course Design as a Catalyst: Creating a Meaningful and Inclusive Learning Environment 
Presented by Dr. Shantell Strickland-Davis, is the Associate Vice President of Organizational Learning and Leadership Development at Central Piedmont Community College

Faculty play a key role in a student's success - they serve as the subject matter expert, the counselor, the advisor, the mentor, and a guide for encouraging and motivating students. With high-quality course design, faculty members can be more intentional about supporting their students in these ways, leading to better student outcomes, retention, and success. Join us to discover how you can use course design as a catalyst for creating an inclusive learning environment, including best practices and strategies you can implement with any course modality.

December

Durham Tech Professional Learning Presentations

Events will be added as they become available.

View the Spring 2023 Calendar