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Immersion ’08 - INTENTIONAL TEACHER TRACK

University of California, San Diego
July 27 – 31, 2008

"This was by far the best professional development I have experienced-educational AND transformative.  I found all of the materials useful, the faculty highly effective and fabulous, my peers brilliant and inspiring." - Intentional Teacher '06 participant

The Intentional Teacher track is intended for the experienced academic librarian who wants to become more self-aware and self-directed as a teacher.  Participants will examine their practice through the four lenses of:

• autobiography
• student perspective
• colleague as resource
• research literature on teaching and learning

Each of these lenses will be used to look at four areas important to teaching:

• philosophy/values
• pedagogy
• student impact
• experimentation

A learning community in which all participants co-contribute to the program’s success through a high degree of engagement will form the basis of the experience. A faculty of nationally recognized librarians will guide the process, create an environment for professional renewal, provide the structure and overarching process for the program, and offer content and information to spark new thinking. Participants will have a high degree of autonomy to make the work relevant to their own situation; their support of each other is crucial. 

The 3.5 day program offers a mixture of structured and co-constructed learning segments such as peer discussions, individual reading and reflection times, and participant-led communities of practice. Participation is limited to ensure an environment that fosters group interaction and active participation. A competitive application process will be used to select participants. 

REQUIREMENTS
Participants should have at least 5 years of teaching experience in a library or other setting, be currently involved in teaching, and have contact with students in the months prior to the program they will be attending. Please note that the program is not designed for those who want to learn how to teach.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
The Intentional Teacher Program is based on two crucial assumptions: (1) that the process of critical reflection is the key to professional renewal; and (2) that this process of critical reflection itself is the foundational content of the program.  The four lenses of autobiographical self-reflection, student perspectives, colleague as resource, and theory/research literature are threaded throughout the three and a half days, with each becoming a focal point when appropriate. The four lenses organize the program not in a linear way, but through a mutually reinforcing perspective gained through a gradually sharpened, clarified focus on professional practice.

• Outcome 1: Engage in ongoing reflective practice in order to sustain professional renewal and growth.
• Outcome 2: Articulate a personal philosophy of teaching and learning in order to intentionally shape your teaching.
• Outcome 3: Examine how your personal philosophy is applied in daily practice in order to identify strengths and remediate disconnections between beliefs and actions.
• Outcome 4: Participate in a community of practice in order to access and share ideas, resources, publications, support structures, and networks.
• Outcome 5: Identify and experiment with a variety of instructional practices in order to expand pedagogical repertoire and progress.
• Outcome 6: Value uncertainty and risk-taking in order to deepen your identity and integrity as a teacher.

Intentional Teacher Track Application Instructions
Please note that only applications submitted via the online application form will be considered.  Please read through the instructions below thoroughly before you start the application process.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Monday, December 3, 2007 (5:00 p.m. CST)

APPLICATION TIPS
1.  Writing the essays and responding to questions, arranging for funding and requesting letters of reference and support all take time. You are encouraged to begin early, and to prepare and submit your materials as soon as possible. Once you have begun the online application form, you can revisit your statements as many times as needed until they are complete and ready to submit. The deadline cannot be extended due to last minute illnesses or emergencies.

2. Have the following information prepared before you begin your online application:

• Contact information
• Education
• Work experience
• Applicant statement.  Applicants must submit an essay that describes their goals for professional renewal and growth related to teaching.  Reviewers will be looking for evidence of the applicant's ability to reflect on their teaching experiences, contribute to a co-constructed learning environment, and build upon the experience after this program. (No longer than 1,500 words)
• References.   Applicants must submit names and contact information for two professional references.  

3.  Writing the essay and responding to questions take time. You are encouraged to begin early, and to prepare and submit your materials as soon as possible. Please note that the deadline cannot be extended due to last minute illnesses or emergencies.

4.  You may save an incomplete application, and edit or add additional information before the submission deadline date.  An ID number and password will be assigned to you when you submit your proposal. Be sure to print your ID number and password and keep them in a safe place. You will need these in order to edit the proposal at a future time.

5.  The Intentional Teacher Program is an individual application process, and acceptance into the program is for an individual applicant.  There is no institutional ownership of an accepted-applicant slot, and if for some reason, an accepted applicant cannot attend, another person from that institution may not be substituted. The next accepted applicant on the ranked waiting list will be offered the slot.

6.  Questions may be directed to Margot Conahan, msutton@ala.org, 312-280-2522; or Tory Ondrla, tondrla@ala.org; 312-280-2515.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM.