Teaching at Teaching Intensive Institutions 2026 Program

Many faculty enjoy rewarding careers at colleges and universities that primarily emphasize teaching, including community colleges, regional comprehensive universities, and liberal arts colleges. This one-day workshop will provide participants with a valuable opportunity to learn from and network with faculty and deans from a range of teaching-intensive institutions across the New England region. 

All graduate students, postdocs, and recent graduate school alumni - from any college or university - are invited to attend this free conference! Register now, as space is limited! Please also note that this is an *in-person* event that will not be viewable online or recorded. See you there!

Here is an overview of the day:

9:00-9:30am: Refreshments and Check-in 

9:30-9:45am: Welcoming Remarks 

9:45-10:45am: Teaching at Teaching Intensive Institutions Plenary Panel

11:00-11:45am: Breakout Session #1. Participants can choose from "The Future of Liberal Arts Education: Perspectives from the Humanities" and "Teaching Science at a Teaching Intensive Institution."

11:45am-12:45pm: Networking Luncheon (pizza lunch)

1:00-1:45pm: Breakout Session #2. Participants can choose from "Surviving Your First Year and Finding Your Fit," "Community College Careers" and "Teaching Engineering and Computer Science at a Teaching Intensive Institution."

2:00-3:00pm: Navigating the Job Application Process

AGENDA     

Note: Exact room locations will be added soon; All rooms are located within the Worcester State Student Center. 

Time	Session	Location
9:00 - 9:30	Refreshments and Check-in Check in and sign up at 9:15 for small group consultations!	Student Center
9:30 - 9:45	Welcoming Remarks Henry Theriault, Worcester State University	Blue Lounge
9:45 - 10:45	Teaching at Teaching Intensive Institutions Plenary Panel Glenn Ellis, Smith College  Belinda L. Kadambi, Bunker Hill Community College Henry Theriault, Worcester State University  Moderator: Johanna Yunker, University of Massachusetts Amherst	Blue Lounge
11:00- 11:45	Breakout Session 1 (concurrent sessions)
	The Future of Liberal Arts Education: Perspectives from the Humanities What does the future hold for higher education? Drawing on a national perspective from the humanities, this session will explore the enduring value of a liberal arts education, the challenges facing colleges today, and how excellent teaching remains central to student success across disciplines. Whether you aspire to teach in the humanities, social sciences, or professional fields, you'll gain insight into the evolving landscape of teaching-intensive higher education and what it takes to build a meaningful faculty career. Paula Krebs, Executive Director of the Modern Language Association and TTII Founder	TBD
	Teaching Science at a Teaching Intensive Institution This session will provide participants with experiences, examples, and tips for both doing and teaching science at teaching-intensive institutions. Thaya Paramanathan, Bridgewater State University  Yadilette Rivera-Colón, Bay Path University	North/South
	Small Group Job Document Consultations A limited number of job document consultations will be available during breakout sessions 1 and 2. In these 45-minute sessions, faculty from teaching intensive institutions will meet with a group of 2 or 3 students to discuss their cover letters and/or teaching statements. Those requesting document review must bring four paper copies. Participation will be first come first served, and sign-up sheets will be available near the check-in table at 9:15 am.	TBD
11:45 - 12:45	Networking Luncheon (pizza lunch provided)	Blue Lounge North/South
1:00 - 1:45	Breakout Session 2 (concurrent sessions)
	Surviving Your First Year and Finding Your Fit Dive into your first year(s) as a faculty member with confidence and enthusiasm! This workshop will provide you with practical tips for juggling your teaching load, discovering campus resources, and finding your fit by building a mentoring community.   Alyx Burns, Mount Holyoke Samantha Scripture, Worcester State University	TBD
	Community College Careers Many professionals say that passion determined their path – and that is certainly true for us! Community colleges play a vital role in the higher education landscape. In this session, we will talk about the community college mission, the important work we do, and the students who put this education to work in a variety of ways. Cam Anderson, Holyoke Community College  Karen Bridges, Bunker Hill Community College Suzanne McCormack, Community College of Rhode Island Blair Ruscitti, Greenfield Community College  Moderator: Marissa Hanley, University of Massachusetts Amherst	TBD
	Teaching Engineering and Computer Science at a Teaching Intensive Institution  The job description for faculty positions can vary widely across different disciplines and institutions. This session will provide an overview of faculty life at a teaching-intensive institution, with a focus on engineering and computer science programs. Laura Gross, Bridgewater State University Katherine Schlef, Western New England University Niveen Ismail, Smith College	North/South
	Small Group Job Document Consultations A limited number of job document consultations will be available for faculty from teaching intensive institutions to meet with a group of 2 or 3 students to discuss their cover letters and/or teaching statements. Those requesting document review must bring four paper copies. Participation will be first come first served, and sign-up sheets will be available near the check-in table at 9:15 am.	TBD
2:00 - 3:00	Breakout Session 3 (concurrent sessions)
	Navigating the Job Application Process in STEM Are you preparing for the academic job search and looking for tips to set you apart from the pack? Join our faculty panel discussions to get the “inside scoop” about the job search process at teaching-intensive institutions and learn about the factors that influence candidate selection. Martina Arndt, Bridgewater State University Lauren Nolfo-Clements, Framingham State University Yadilette Rivera-Colón, Bay Path University  Marie Tupaj, Middlesex Community College	Blue Lounge
	Navigating the Job Application Process in Humanities and Social Sciences Are you preparing for the academic job search and looking for tips to set you apart from the pack? Join our faculty panel discussions to get the “inside scoop” about the job search process at teaching-intensive institutions and learn about the factors that influence candidate selection. Laurie Occhipinti, Mount Wachusett Community College Russ Pottle, Worcester State University Emily Todd, Eastern Connecticut State University	North/South