Faculty and instructors at Temple University Ambler have a new-and-improved dedicated space to work, conduct online research, collaborate and connect, or take a moment for themselves. 

The new Center for the Advancement of Teaching (CAT) at Temple Ambler has opened its doors for all faculty and instructors in Ambler Learning Center Room 301.

“Building community is essential; to build community and connections among all of our faculty from across disciplines and all campuses, where they teach,” said Sara Vann, Associate Director of Operations for the Center for the Advancement of Teaching at Temple. “One of the primary things we also hope faculty get out of the new workspace is convenient access to resources.”

The Center for the Advancement of Teaching promotes the value and practice of excellent teaching, teaching that facilitates student learning and growth. CAT’s programs and resources support evidence-based teaching and provide opportunities for faculty and TAs to learn from the experience and expertise of their colleagues. CAT’s mission is to foster evidence-based teaching so students learn, develop and succeed.

“Essentially, CAT is a hub of resources for all faculty at Temple University. We provide workshops, one-on-one consultations, classroom observations, special events, tools and resources geared around developing our faculty,” said Vann. “At Temple Ambler in Learning Center 301, we have six computer stations with remote access to our educational technology specialist, printer and scanner access, and flexible workspace. There is also a lounge, where faculty can hold small meetings, read or have a bite to eat — the lab includes appliances such as a microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker.”

The CAT at Ambler is open from Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. According to Vann, the work space is available for all full-time, part-time and adjunct faculty, teaching assistants, and non-credit instructors.

“All faculty members and TAs are welcome here and are welcome to use any of our services and/or resources. The new lab has significantly expanded the amount of space available specifically for faculty on campus in addition to expanding accessibility to these resources,” she said. “The lab is self-service. When faculty enter the space, they will swipe in at the computer station at the front of the room and then they are free to use the space as they like.”

According to Vann, CAT also offers one-on-one confidential consultations, which may be scheduled through the Center for the Advancement of Teaching’s booking system found on their website. In-person and virtual consultations are available.

“We also offer a wide range of workshops on topics related to pedagogy, educational technology, and research focused on teaching and learning,” she said. “We plan on offering workshops at Temple Ambler in the near future. What we would like to do is assess the needs and interests of the faculty and instructors at the Ambler Campus to get a better understanding of the workshops that would benefit them most — we want to build our programming so that it meets the specific needs of faculty at this campus.”

All faculty at Temple Ambler are welcome to attend the virtual and in-person workshops that are offered at Main Campus, Vann added.

“I think one of the greatest benefits of having this space at Temple Ambler is that it meets an important need. There are a number of faculty or instructors that don't have access to dedicated workspaces or offices,” she said. “The new space offers a dedicated and flexible space for them to do work, have small meetings, or take time to read a book or have lunch. You could have book groups here or special collaborative programs; there are a lot of great possibilities that this space has opened up.”

CAT at Ambler Open House

The Center for the Advancement of Teaching will showcase the new-and-improved faculty workspace and lounge on Wednesday, October 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Learning Center Room 301. Light refreshments will be served.

Faculty and instructors are invited to meet CAT staff, network with colleagues, participate in workshops and activities and learn about Ambler Campus opportunities to enhance their teaching and research.

Mini Faculty Development Workshops will highlight the unique educational resources available at Temple Ambler.

The workshops will include:

Ambler Field Station: Temple's Gateway to Field-Based Education
12:15 to 12:45 p.m., Meet in Learning Center Room 302
A walk and talk with Dr. Amy Freestone, Director of Temple Ambler Field Station and Associate Professor of Biology.

Using the Ambler Arboretum in Your Teaching, Research and Practice
12:15 to 1 p.m., Meet in Learning Center Room 303
A guided tour with Kathy Salisbury, Director of the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University.

Assigning Group or Team Projects? Experience Sample Problem-Solving and Team-Building Activities That Can Be Taught in Any Environment
Drop-in, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Learning Center Room 305
A drop-in workshop with Temple Ambler Challenge Course facilitators.

Visit the Temple Ambler Challenge Course Laboratory: Learn About Reserving it for Labs, Field Trips, or Course-Related Experiences
12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Meet in Learning Center Room 306
A walking tour with Dr. Steve Sassaman, Assistant Director of Outdoor Experiential Education at Temple Ambler.