The Platinum Certificate in Teaching Excellence is an advanced professional development pathway designed for UAB faculty who are deeply committed to elevating their teaching practice through sustained, evidence-informed growth. Building upon prior participation in CTL programs, the Platinum Certificate recognizes faculty who intentionally engage in high-impact practices, reflection, and instructional innovation.
Over the course of the academic year, participants complete a curated sequence of workshops, faculty learning communities, and individualized development experiences that deepen their understanding of effective, research-supported teaching. The program emphasizes critical areas of instructional excellence, including the scholarship of teaching and learning and peer teaching observation, grounded in empirical literature and national best practices.
Faculty pursuing the Platinum Certificate work closely with CTL leadership to craft a personalized development plan tailored to their instructional goals. As part of this experience, participants engage in sustained reflection through teaching statements, course artifacts, or small-scale scholarly teaching projects that allow them to document their growth and demonstrate the impact of their pedagogical choices.
Led by Executive Director Amy Chatham, Associate Director Melissa Hawkins, and supported by internal and external experts dedicated to advancing teaching and learning, the program connects faculty with a vibrant community of educators committed to excellence. This network encourages ongoing collaboration, feedback, and professional support that extends far beyond the certificate itself.
Whether faculty are enhancing established practices or pushing the boundaries of innovation in their disciplines, the Platinum Certificate offers the structure, rigor, and mentorship needed to continue growing as an educator and to contribute meaningfully to a culture of teaching excellence at UAB. Faculty who are interested should contact the CTL at uabctl@edu. A new cohort kicks off each fall.