A Statement from the Executive Council

April 17, 2026

Since 1997, the Texas Tech Teaching Academy has existed to fulfill a clear mission: "to advocate for teaching excellence, promote service related to the university's teaching mission, and share knowledge about teaching strategies and their implementation." That mission is inseparable from Texas Tech University's key pillars defining teaching excellence as: "student-centered, intentional, evidence-based, and engaged.” These are not abstractions. They are the commitments that guide our work every day. 

In the current moment, we reaffirm our unshakeable dedication to our mission and to supporting teaching excellence.  

We stand in support of every faculty member's ability to pursue teaching excellence across its full scope, grounded in disciplinary expertise and scholarly practice. We stand in support of every student's right to an education that is rigorous and complete. We stand in support of an academy where all students belong, all disciplines are honored, and teaching excellence is never compromised. 
 
Our mission has not changed. Our commitment to it has not wavered. And our belief that the students of Texas Tech University deserve nothing less than our best remains absolute. 

-The Teaching Academy Executive Council

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What is the Teaching Academy?

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

The spring business meeting for all members will be held on Thursday, April 30 at 1pm on Zoom. Please reach out to Molly Jacobs for details!

Connecting with today's students: What are ways that you connect with students in your class? Share your ideas with us!

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