The mission of the Teaching Academy at Texas Tech University is to advocate for teaching excellence, promote service related to the university's teaching mission, advise and mentor colleagues and others, and share knowledge about teaching strategies and their implementation as appropriate.

Texas Tech University also has a history of providing a strong environment for student learning and excellent teaching. We need to continue to promote excellence in instruction as a vital part of the university mission and to ensure that excellence in teaching isn’t compromised by an increased focus on research and professional commitments.

The very existence of the Teaching Academy is a sign to the university community and beyond that good teaching matters. But the Academy also contributes in very practical ways to the support and development of a strong teaching culture. A variety of activities and services offered through the Academy help faculty bridge their desire to be a good teacher with knowledge about fresh pedagogical techniques, theories of student learning and the scholarship of teaching that contributes to their professional growth development as educators. The role of the Teaching Academy in providing and selecting teaching awards and recognition substantiates institutional and peer appreciation of teaching excellence.

We want Texas Tech to be known for not only research excellence, but also superior teaching. The Teaching Academy plays a central role in promoting the scholarship of teaching, student learning, and in general, an academic culture that enhances Texas Tech stature as a great university.

Teaching Academy News & Upcoming Events

If you have any questions about the Teaching Academy, please contact Nancy Soonpaa, Chair of the Executive Council.