Local and Regional Teaching Conferences

CHIIPs: Conference of High-Impact Instructional Practices

Hosted annually by the ETSU CTE, CHIIPs is a one-day, local teaching and learning conference held in early August in Johnson City, Tennessee, just before the semester begins. This event features keynote speakers who are national leaders in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) and pedagogy, alongside concurrent sessions led by local and regional faculty presenters.

• Past Keynotes include many educator scholars reference throughout this guide: Jim Lang, Jessamyn Neuhaus, Kevin Gannon, and Michelle Miller.

Micro-CHIIPs: For additional professional growth, the CTE offers a smaller, online version of CHIIPs in January, providing focused sessions to recharge and inspire mid-year.

Conference on Higher Education Pedagogy (CHEP)

For those able to travel, CHEP at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, is a premier regional conference that takes place annually in February. This conference showcases evidence-based teaching strategies, innovative instructional methods, and research on student learning across disciplines. CHEP is highly recommended for ETSU instructors seeking to expand their pedagogical toolkit.

Book Clubs and Collaborative Learning Communities

The CTE facilitates an ongoing book club during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Each book is thoughtfully chosen to address contemporary teaching challenges, foster reflective practices, and promote growth. Whether it’s exploring strategies for alternative grading, inclusive teaching, or faculty wellness, the book club connects educators in a supportive, interdisciplinary space for learning and conversation.

Sample Book Club Reads:

• Fall 2024: Remembering and Forgetting in the Age of Technology by Michelle D. Miller
• Summer 2024: The Inspired Teacher: Zen Advice for the Happy Teacher by Donna Quesada
• Spring 2024: Grading for Growth by David Clark & Robert Talbert
• Fall 2023: Picture a Professor by Jessamyn Neuhaus

Why Join?

• Foster deep engagement with relevant educational topics.
• Connect with colleagues across disciplines.
• Apply actionable insights directly to your teaching practices.

National Teaching Conferences

While local and regional conferences provide accessible opportunities, national conferences can expose faculty to broader trends and diverse approaches to teaching and learning:

1. Lilly Conferences on College Teaching: Focused on evidence-based teaching strategies and best practices.
2. POD Network Conference: A hub for faculty developers and educators working to enhance teaching excellence.
3. ISSOTL (International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning): A premier gathering for SoTL practitioners and researchers.
4. AAC&U Annual Meeting: A space for discussions on equity, student success, and innovative learning.
5. OLC (Online Learning Consortium): Focused on advancing quality online, blended, and digital teaching.

Maximizing Professional Development Opportunities

To make the most of these experiences, whether attending CHIIPs or a national conference, consider the following strategies:

• Set Goals: Before attending, identify specific objectives such as exploring new teaching methods, learning a specific tool, or finding ways to enhance student engagement.
• Be Active: Attend a variety of sessions, ask questions, and share your experiences during discussions.
• Network Purposefully: Build connections with colleagues, presenters, and facilitators. Follow up after the event to share ideas and explore collaborations.
• Reflect and Act: Take notes during sessions and set aside time to reflect afterward. Identify two or three actionable ideas to implement in your courses.
• Share Your Insights: Bring what you learn back to your department, share resources with colleagues, or organize a follow-up discussion.

CTE Resources for Continuous Development

Beyond conferences and book clubs, ETSU’s CTE offers a range of programs and resources to help instructors thrive:

• Workshops and Seminars: Covering topics like active learning, inclusive course design, and AI integration.
• Consultations: Personalized support for course design, instructional strategies, and assessment practices.
• SoTL Writing Group: A collaborative space to develop, conduct, and publish SoTL research.
• Learning Communities: Peer groups focused on pedagogical wellness, technology integration, and teaching innovation.

Staying Curious and Connected

Continuous professional development models the curiosity and growth mindset we hope to cultivate in our students. Whether it’s through CHIIPs, a national conference, or a local book club, instructors at ETSU have access to dynamic, supportive opportunities to reflect, innovate, and share their teaching journeys. By staying engaged with these resources, faculty can build stronger learning environments and inspire their students to succeed.