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Welcome to Spring 2025 Professional Development Week (PDW)!

Theme: Embracing Resilient Educators

Focus on the workshops that best suit your professional development goals and schedule. A wide range of offerings is provided, so pick the ones that will benefit you the most.

Need to request an interpreter? Please use the Accessibility Services Interpreter Request Form.
or to bookmark your favorites and sync them to your phone or calendar.
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Tuesday, January 14
 

9:00am MST

LGBTQIA Basics
Tuesday January 14, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Zoom
This session focuses on introducing basic language and terminology while creating a space for questions. We will cover the differences between sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as expand on the additional types of diverse identities that fall under the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) umbrella. This course explores best practices for engaging with the LGBTQ+ community, tips for supporting colleagues that come out as LGBTQ+, and strategies for supporting the community through allyship.
Speakers
LE
ER
Tuesday January 14, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Zoom
  Teaching and Learning Workshop

9:00am MST

UDL: Empowering Students to Succeed
Tuesday January 14, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Zoom
Are you committed to creating inclusive and equitable learning experiences for all students? Discover how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles can transform your courses and make them more engaging, accessible, and equitable for every learner. Learn practical strategies for accommodating diverse learning styles, providing choices for personalized learning, and creating activities that allow students to demonstrate their learning.
Speakers
CG

Christine Gaccetta-Sharp

Course Designer/OER Coordinator
Tuesday January 14, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Zoom
  Teaching and Learning Workshop

10:00am MST

Understanding Transgender & Gender Expansive Communities
Tuesday January 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
Zoom
This workshop takes a deeper dive into the LGBTQ+ community, by exploring transgender and gender expansive communities. We discuss the unique experiences and challenges faced by these parts of the LGBTQ+ community; develop a better understanding about the transition process; the importance of pronoun usages and their impact on transgender and gender expansive people; gain a better understanding about pronoun usage and their impacts; and share affirming resources and services.
Speakers
LE
ER
Tuesday January 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
Zoom
  Teaching and Learning Workshop

10:00am MST

Unlocking Inclusivity with Digital Accessibility Training
Tuesday January 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
In today's digital age, it is essential to guarantee that everyone has access to digital content regardless of their abilities. By participating in digital accessibility training, you can improve your skills and knowledge in creating inclusive digital experiences that all students and employees can access. 
Key Highlights of the Training:
  • Gain an understanding of accessibility guidelines and best practices
  • Learn which tools and techniques are used to make digital content more accessible. 
  • Test and fix digital content for accessibility
  • Cultivate a culture of inclusivity within our organization
Training is required for all faculty, instructors, and staff.  Sign up for our digital accessibility training today!
Speakers
CG

Christine Gaccetta-Sharp

Course Designer/OER Coordinator
Tuesday January 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
  Teaching and Learning Workshop

11:00am MST

Rampart Range Campus All College Luncheon
Tuesday January 14, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MST
Rampart Campus Atrium 1 / Atrium 2
Monday is home campus day! This means that you will have a wonderful lunch provided by leadership. Join our campus community in this shared meal!

IMPORTANT: Remember to fill out the PDW All-Campus Lunch RSVP Form
Speakers
avatar for Susi Holmes

Susi Holmes

Assistant to the Vice President, Pikes Peak State College
AC
Tuesday January 14, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MST
Rampart Campus Atrium 1 / Atrium 2
  Meal

12:30pm MST

Introduction to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accreditation Process
Tuesday January 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
Zoom
In this workshop, participants will gain a clear understanding of the HLC’s mission, guiding values, and accreditation requirements. The session will explore key elements such as the comprehensive evaluation process and the significance of meeting accreditation standards. Attendees will leave with practical ways they can contribute to the College's preparation for a successful comprehensive evaluation visit.
Speakers
avatar for Deborah Licht

Deborah Licht

Professor
PG
Tuesday January 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
Zoom
  Teaching and Learning Workshop

12:30pm MST

Video Editing 101
Tuesday January 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
Zoom
The basics of video editing in under an hour. Learn how to import recordings, trim what you don't need, mix and fine tune your audio, add simple graphics, and export it. Great for recording lectures or tutorials on software that you often have to repeat several times to different students. Now you'll be able to say "Check the D2L shell for the video on this."
Speakers
avatar for Brian Wheeler

Brian Wheeler

Faculty / Chair / Dungeon Master, Pikes Peak State College
Tuesday January 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
Zoom
  Teaching and Learning Workshop

12:30pm MST

Waking Up Your Students with Dynamic, Student-Centered Lecturing (or, Wake Up Your Students!)
Tuesday January 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
Zoom
Teachers often believe lecturing is a required part of college courses because they are expected by students, peers, and supervisors to transmit information to their students. But what if there was another way to keep students engaged and participative? This presentation will explore topics from the Active Learning Institute on traditional lecturing alternatives such as discussion, modeling, storytelling, and dynamic lectures in order to keep students awake, engaged, and critically thinking about class topics.
Speakers
KM

Krystal Miller

Faculty, Pikes Peak State College
RD
Tuesday January 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
Zoom
  Teaching and Learning Workshop

1:00pm MST

FLAC/Schedule Open House
Tuesday January 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Centennial Campus, Building A, Room 224
Come grab donuts and coffee with the Faculty Load and Compensation (FLAC) Team at the Centennial, Rampart, and CHES campuses during Professional Development Week. Meet the dynamic team that manages essential functions, including faculty load, contracting, schedule building, and supports building the course catalog. Don’t miss this chance to connect, collaborate, and elevate your understanding of faculty support!
CETL Volunteer
avatar for Linda Hertz

Linda Hertz

Instructor Business
Speakers
VP
PS
avatar for Connie Robinson
PF
TR
Tuesday January 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Centennial Campus, Building A, Room 224
  About PPSC

2:00pm MST

Course Quality Initiative: Dispelling The Rumors
Tuesday January 14, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Zoom
The Course Quality Initiative is designed to help faculty improve how their online courses are delivered, focusing on accessibility, engagement, and student success. The initiative doesn’t dictate what to teach but rather provides support, resources, and feedback to enhance the way courses are structured and presented. We prioritize continuous improvement in delivery methods while giving faculty full autonomy over their content. Our goal is to ensure a supportive environment that elevates both teaching effectiveness and the student learning experience.
Speakers
avatar for Cynthia Krutsinger

Cynthia Krutsinger

Dean of Online Learning, eLearning
CG

Christine Gaccetta-Sharp

Course Designer/OER Coordinator
JT
HT
Tuesday January 14, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Zoom
  Teaching and Learning Workshop

2:00pm MST

Fostering a Campus Environment Supportive of Student Mental Health
Tuesday January 14, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Zoom
This workshop is designed to provide faculty and staff with tips on how to identify and help a student who may be struggling with their mental health. This workshop will also provide helpful information to faculty and staff on how to create a classroom/lab/studio environment that is supportive of student mental health.
Speakers
EC
EP
Tuesday January 14, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Zoom
  Teaching and Learning Workshop

2:00pm MST

Stress Management and Coping at Work
Tuesday January 14, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Stress is a fact of life that is sometimes debilitating. We face stress every day. Some folks live for stress while others are paralyzed by it. This workshop will discuss the background of stress, a theory (or two) on stress, and methods of managing and coping with stress.
Speakers
BG

Bruce Gillies

Adjunct Faculty
Tuesday January 14, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
  Teaching and Learning Workshop

2:00pm MST

Throw a pie! How to use humor to increase classroom engagement.
Tuesday January 14, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Zoom
For first time and other students, going to college can be a very intimidating process. In order for them to learn, that tenson needs to be broken and replaced with an enjoyment of learning. By utilizing humor in our classes, we can break the tension and allow our students to greater absorb information
Speakers
TA
Tuesday January 14, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Zoom
  Teaching and Learning Workshop

2:00pm MST

Unpacking Criteria 1, 2, and 5: Mission, Integrity, and Resources
Tuesday January 14, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Zoom
To maintain its accredited status with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), PPSC must demonstrate how its mission guides institutional operations (Criterion 1), its commitment to integrity and ethical conduct (Criterion 2), and the adequacy of its resources and governance structures (Criterion 5). In this workshop, participants will learn how the College addresses HLC’s expectations in these areas and discuss how they can contribute to a successful comprehensive evaluation visit.
Speakers
avatar for Deborah Licht

Deborah Licht

Professor
PG
Tuesday January 14, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Zoom
  Teaching and Learning Workshop

2:00pm MST

Why Everyone Needs Change Management
Tuesday January 14, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Zoom
Whether you're faculty, staff, APT, or a student, change is a constant at work and at home. This workshop will provide a foundational understanding of change management, focusing on the neuroscience behind change and practical strategies to make transitions easier for ourselves and those around us. Together, we'll cultivate a supportive environment that embraces transformation and fosters resilience and adaptability in all areas of life.
Speakers
TR
Tuesday January 14, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Zoom
  Teaching and Learning Workshop

3:30pm MST

"Excel"erating Your Classroom: Infusing Your Curriculum with Life Lessons
Tuesday January 14, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm MST
Zoom
Bring real-world relevance into your curriculum by adding life lessons that resonate with students. In this hands-on workshop, learn how to incorporate life lessons into any course. The presenter will demonstrate a practical activity where students use Excel to explore investment growth, helping them understand concepts like compound interest and long-term planning. This engaging approach not only enhances financial literacy but also connects academic learning with essential life skills. Perfect for educators looking to inspire students with lessons that extend beyond the classroom!
Speakers
avatar for Clint Schafer
Tuesday January 14, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm MST
Zoom
  Teaching and Learning Workshop

3:30pm MST

Cybersecurity 101: Essential Tips
Tuesday January 14, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm MST
Zoom
Protect yourself from cyberattacks! Our ITSS experts are here to answer your questions about cybersecurity best practices. Learn how to identify phishing emails, safeguard your sensitive information, and stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
Speakers
MA

Mustafa Akcadogan

IT Projects Manager/Instructor, Pikes Peak State College
Tuesday January 14, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm MST
Zoom
  Teaching and Learning Workshop

3:30pm MST

From Good to Great: Using Feedback from Course Quality Checks to Build High-Quality Online Courses
Tuesday January 14, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm MST
Zoom
Join us for this informative workshop on course reviews. Discover how to leverage the healthy course checklist and quality matters standards to create effective and engaging course design that drives instructional excellence.
Speakers
CG

Christine Gaccetta-Sharp

Course Designer/OER Coordinator
avatar for Cynthia Krutsinger

Cynthia Krutsinger

Dean of Online Learning, eLearning
JT
HT
Tuesday January 14, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm MST
Zoom
  Teaching and Learning Workshop

3:30pm MST

Unpacking Criteria 3 and 4: Teaching and Learning – Quality, Resources, and Assessment
Tuesday January 14, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm MST
Zoom
This workshop will delve into HLC Criteria 3 and 4, which focus on key aspects of teaching and learning such as resources for effective teaching, quality of educational programs and learning environments, and processes designed to promote continuous improvement. Attendees will discuss how their efforts in ensuring the quality of education and student support services contribute to the overall success of the College’s accreditation reaffirmation.
Speakers
avatar for Deborah Licht

Deborah Licht

Professor
PG
Tuesday January 14, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm MST
Zoom
  Teaching and Learning Workshop

5:00pm MST

Instructor Book Club Kickoff
Tuesday January 14, 2025 5:00pm - 5:30pm MST
Zoom
Each year CETL hosts an interactive and engaging book club that is open to the campus community. This year we're reading Teaching with AI by the PDW keynote C. Edward Watson and Creating Wicked Students by Paul Hanstedt. Come read one or both books with us!
CETL will organize the meeting times/spaces, order the books, and help to work with the group to share what we learn with our campus community. 
Speakers
avatar for Katie Wheeler

Katie Wheeler

CETL Director and Assistant Professor, Pikes Peak State College
As the transfer director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) at Pikes Peak State College, I am excited to connect with educators and find out what best practices you are applying in your classroom! I have served in this role for over a year and am excited... Read More →
Tuesday January 14, 2025 5:00pm - 5:30pm MST
Zoom
  Book Club

5:30pm MST

Updates to PAGE: A Vital Program for Instructors
Tuesday January 14, 2025 5:30pm - 6:00pm MST
Zoom
Learn about the exciting changes in the PAGE program this year! If you're new to PAGE or have been a member for a while, this is your chance to interact with coordinator Krystal Miller.
Speakers
KM

Krystal Miller

Faculty, Pikes Peak State College
Tuesday January 14, 2025 5:30pm - 6:00pm MST
Zoom
  About PPSC

5:30pm MST

Strengthening Student Engagement: Practical Strategies for Regular and Substantive Interaction
Tuesday January 14, 2025 5:30pm - 6:30pm MST
Zoom
Are you teaching online courses and wondering how to ensure they meet the rigorous standards of the Higher Learning Commission? Join us for a workshop on Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI). Learn practical strategies to foster meaningful connections with your online students, including interactive activities, online discussions, and personalized feedback. Discover how to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that meets HLC requirements while also enhancing student success.
Speakers
avatar for Cynthia Krutsinger

Cynthia Krutsinger

Dean of Online Learning, eLearning
CG

Christine Gaccetta-Sharp

Course Designer/OER Coordinator
Tuesday January 14, 2025 5:30pm - 6:30pm MST
Zoom
  Teaching and Learning Workshop

6:30pm MST

Talk Less, Teach More
Tuesday January 14, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm MST
Zoom
During your class time, who is doing most of the work? Jeremy Rentz argues that the one doing the talking is the one doing the learning. In this practical, hands-on workshop reflect on your approach to your classroom and develop strategies to talk less and teach more. 
Objectives:
  1. Explain why students should do some of the work during class.
  2. Discuss different ways teachers can support students doing the work during class time.
  3. Effectively step aside during class so students can do the work of learning. 




Speakers
avatar for Katie Wheeler

Katie Wheeler

CETL Director and Assistant Professor, Pikes Peak State College
As the transfer director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) at Pikes Peak State College, I am excited to connect with educators and find out what best practices you are applying in your classroom! I have served in this role for over a year and am excited... Read More →
Tuesday January 14, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm MST
Zoom
  Teaching and Learning Workshop