University of North Texas 
Certificate of Excellence for Teaching Online (CETO) is a hybrid professional development course offered by DSI CLEAR’s Faculty Development team for instructors who wish to apply inclusive, evidence-based teaching practices to their UNT online courses. The goal of this course is to create a learning community of faculty at UNT working to improve student learning and foster a sense of belonging. Throughout seven modules, the CETO cohort will create a dynamic community of practice via hybrid virtual or in-person synchronous meetings and asynchronous modules.
The application process is currently closed and will reopen in mid-spring 2025.
CETO Course Outcomes:
- Create rapport and more autonomous learning environments for students in their courses.
- Explore how to create opportunities for all students to engage in the learning process to increase student participation, retention, and success.
High Rapport Engagement Strategies
Building rapport with students in online courses can cultivate belonging and has been linked to higher retention (Cartee, 2021; Glazier & Skurat Harris, 2020; Parrish et al., 2021). We will begin the first week by applying high-engagement practices in online courses that build instructor presence. Instructors will write engaging weekly announcements and record a welcoming video for their course.
Inclusively Engaging Content
Content that is accessible in more than one mode can impact student success and belonging (Addy et al., 2021). In the second module, instructors will create multimodal content for their online course.
Reflective Growth of Instructional Practice
There are many opportunities to collect data about instruction over the course of the semester. In module seven, instructors will develop a tool to collect student feedback mid-semester which can help improve end-of-semester student evaluations.
Learning Activities that Empower Students with Choice
Learning activities can be designed to give learners multiple opportunities to “fail
forward” and improve with each attempt (Addy et al., 2021; Meyers, et al., 2019).
In the third module, instructors will design multimodal assignment options that help
students successfully achieve course learning outcomes.
Engaging Discussions for all Learners
Discussion can improve academic performance, promote interaction between students, and encourage autonomy and belonging (Batra & Klein, 2021; Cho et al., 2020; Glass et al., 2022). In the fourth module, instructors will self-evaluate the discussion policies in a course, design engaging discussion questions, and write engagement expectations.
Assessments that Engage
Assessments that invite the demonstration of learning in uniquely authentic ways can increase student success and retention (O’Neill et al., 2021). In the fifth module, instructors will have an opportunity to design an authentic, multimodal assessment for a unit-level objective and design a rubric for their course.
Feedback that Fosters Growth
High quality feedback can lead to higher academic achievement, greater mental health for students, and increased engagement with coursework (Dweck, 2017; Kroper et al., 2022; Nalipay et al., 2021). In the sixth module, instructors will apply evidence-based feedback practices that employ growth mindset, connect students to their career goals, and engage students in dialogue around their learning.
CETO is a facilitated learning community lasting one semester in duration and is offered to UNT faculty every spring and fall semesters.
CETO operates on a pass/fail structure, and CETO participants who receive a passing grade of 80% or higher will receive a professional development stipend (subject to available funding) for teaching-related professional development opportunities which will be sent to their departments upon completion of the course. Teaching-related professional development opportunities include conferences, journals, books, courses, etc. Those who pass CETO will also receive a certificate and badge.
For questions, contact Dr. Aubree Stearns at aubree.stearns@unt.edu or Dr. Babafunso Adegbola at babafunso.adegbola@unt.edu.
Why take CETO?
You may want to apply to CETO if you are an instructor at UNT who teaches students online and values inclusive, evidence-based teaching practices and continuous learning. You may also want to apply to CETO if you wish to make connections and foster community with your colleagues at UNT while embarking on a journey of professional development. If you want to connect with colleagues, develop professionally, and improve your online courses, this course is for you.
How is CETO delivered and organized?
CETO is delivered over seven modules with synchronous hybrid meetings and asynchronous virtual discussions and assignments. All reading content and materials are provided through Canvas.
In this course, you will:
- Complete a combined total of nine assignments and assessments.
- Submit seven reflection assignments.
- Attend and participate in bi-weekly synchronous hybrid meetings and comprehension checks.
In what modality is CETO offered?
Modality refers to how participants attend the biweekly meetings: virtual or in-person. When applying for CETO, you will be asked which modality you prefer. Meeting schedules are determined by the availability of selected applicants. Participants may be able to switch modalities after meeting schedules have been sent. Participants are asked to maintain the same modality throughout the semester, i.e., attend all meetings either virtually or in-person; participants cannot alternate between the two.
How do I enroll in CETO?
To enroll in CETO, you will need to apply. The application process will begin at the end of each preceding semester. For example, applications will open in November to be considered for the Spring semester. To apply, complete an application in its entirety and include your department chair’s signature. There will be a limited number of seats each semester. Applicants will be notified at the end of the preceding semester of their acceptance and enrollment.
Please send applications to faculty.development@unt.edu
FAQ
If I can't attend a meeting, can I switch to the other modality?
Due to intentionality in building both an in-person and virtual learning community, we ask that you consistently attend meetings in the same modality for the duration of CETO.
Do the professional development funds expire?
The professional development funds will roll over each semester. It's important to note, however, that these funds are managed by your academic department; therefore, the process of dispersal will vary.
What can I spend my professional development funds on?
The professional development funds awarded upon successful completion of CETO may be spent on teaching-related professional development activities. Examples include, but are not limited to conference attendance and travel, publication fees, teaching-related research, hiring teaching or research assistants, teaching-related texts and other resources, etc
Testimonials from CETO Faculty
"Engaging in this course material enhanced my capacity as an online educator and advanced
my knowledge of how to create inclusive and engaging content."
"Well-organized course, clear expectations, engaging content and assignments."
"I learned so much from others, and how they were assessing, and the creative ways
to do assessments has really helped."
"The whole course was really the model and an inspiration for, for you know, how to
do how to do things well."
"Nobody was here to judge you. Everybody was here to help you. And so that's what
it did for me."
"I actually probably feel closer to the folks in here than I do my own department."
Testimonials from Students of CETO Faculty
"I feel like the change that happened the second half of the semester, I felt like
she cared more about us as students and more about our knowledge than our grades.
I can tell learning rather than passing became a priority and it really meant a lot.
We got to know Dr. B as more than a professor."
"I think that Dr. B's instruction and class engagement has improved significantly
in the short time that I've known her/been in her classes."
"After the mid-term review, the changes made to the course were very well implemented
and very well received by me as a student. I could tell that you really try to make
things better for us to learn and be successful in this class."
"I greatly appreciate how you took into account everyone's previous feedback! Thank
you for a great few classes!!"