Transforming Teaching through Engaged and Active Learning (TEAL) Academy

The Teaching Engaged and Active Learners (TEAL) Academy is a dynamic faculty fellows program designed to inspire and equip educators with the skills to use innovative, high-impact teaching strategies that foster deep student engagement and real-world impact.

Through a year-long, collaborative experience, TEAL Fellows will explore how to harness student motivation to drive meaningful change—both in the classroom and beyond. Participants will engage in reflective practice, co-create workshops with the TAMU Center for Teaching Excellence, and exchange proven strategies with a community of passionate educators. This opportunity is open to faculty (Tenure-Track and Academic Professional Track). 

Why Engaged and Active Learning Matters

Research consistently shows that students learn more deeply and retain knowledge longer when they are actively involved in the learning process. Engaged and active learning strategies:

  • Increase student motivation and persistence by connecting course content to real-world applications.
  • Promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills through collaborative and experiential learning.
  • Foster equity and inclusion by creating opportunities for all students to participate meaningfully.
  • Prepare students for life beyond the classroom by integrating civic engagement, research, and reflective practices.

The TEAL Academy empowers faculty to implement these evidence-based approaches, ensuring that Texas A&M students graduate as informed, engaged, and adaptable leaders.

Participant Expectations

  • Commit to the full fellowship duration: Fall 2025 – Spring 2026
  • Participate in required bi-weekly 1-hour synchronous online group meetings
  • Design or redesign courses and teaching approaches to incorporate engaged and active learning strategies
  • Share experiences, resources, and approaches with University colleagues through avenues such as:
    • How-to Guides
    • Informational Materials
    • Guest Panel Discussions
    • Co-facilitated Workshop Session


Participant Benefits

  • $500 stipend to support students’ engaged and active learning
  • Opportunities to design or enhance courses with elements like:
    • Civic & Community Engagement (Service-Learning)
    • Undergraduate and Mentored Research
    • Reflective Writing
    • Collaborative Learning
    • Capstone and Internship Experiences
  • A space to learn from like-minded colleagues, share your own experiences and ideas, and inspire others across the University community
  • Professional development focused on transformative, student-centered learning


Participant Eligibility

  • Tenure-Track and Academic Professional Track faculty from all disciplines and TAMU branch campuses are encouraged to apply
  • Must not currently be funded by any other CTE program or fellowship


Participant Expectations

  • Commit to the full fellowship duration: Fall 2025, Spring 2026
  • Participate in required bi-weekly 1-hour synchronous online group meetings
  • Design/redesign courses and teaching approaches to incorporate engaged and active learning strategies
  • Share experiences, resources, and approaches with University colleagues in avenues such as, but not limited to:
    • How-to Guides
    • Informational Materials
    • Guest Panel Discussions
    • Co-facilitated Workshop Sessions


If you have any questions, please contact Nate Poling, Senior Educational Consultant, TAMU Center for Teaching Excellence - npoling@tamu.edu