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Two faculty from the University of North Georgia (ºìÁ«ÉçÇø) participated in the selective 2016-2017 cohort of the Governor's Teaching Fellows (GTF) Program, a statewide initiative advancing instructional excellence in Georgia's colleges and universities. Michallene McDaniel, Associate Professor of Sociology, is part of the 2016-2017 cohort, and David Smith, Associate Professor of Media Studies, completed the summer 2016 program.

"Although I have been in teaching for almost 20 years, I believe there is always something new to learn about this profession," said McDaniel. "I view my participation in the Governor's Teaching Fellows Program as an opportunity to brush up on changes in technology that benefit teaching, and to become familiar with the latest findings on effective teaching methods that lead to better student learning."

Established in 1995 by Zell Miller, governor of Georgia (1991-1999), GTF provides Georgia's higher education faculty with expanded opportunities for in-depth study of research-based pedagogies. The program is offered through the Institute of Higher Education at the University of Georgia (UGA). More than 75 different disciplines, professions, and teaching areas have been represented, and they have come from over 45 institutions statewide: large and small, public and private, everywhere from the northern mountains to the Florida state line and between the Atlantic coast and the Alabama border. To date, 32 Fellows have represented ºìÁ«ÉçÇø in the GTF Program.

"I was introduced to new ideas and tools like Nearpod, which I found to be interesting and helpful. Throughout this semester during my Film Appreciation courses, I will be putting into practice the ideas I developed during GTF," Smith said.

According to the University of Georgia's Institute of Higher Education's website, a candidate's selection is based upon "the basis of their teaching experience, their interest in continuing instructional and professional development, their ability to make positive impact on their own campus, and a strong commitment by their home institution."

"I consider myself to be very fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in GTF this academic year, and lucky to work at an institution and for a department that supports professional development opportunities for educators," said McDaniel.

Other recent ºìÁ«ÉçÇø fellows in the program have been Rosaria Meek, Assistant Professor of Spanish; Laura Ng, Associate Profesor of English; and, Jennifer Graff, Associate Department Head and Assistant Professor of Visual Arts.

Applications for the ºìÁ«ÉçÇø GTF 2017 Summer Symposia and 2017-2018 Academic Year Symposia is now open. For more information, please visit the CTLL GTF webpage.