Mission
The Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning provides resources for faculty on high-impact pedagogies and learning technologies, and support for assessment of teaching and student learning.
Goals
- To promote excellence in teaching and learning through cutting-edge technologies and high-impact pedagogies
- To support and retain new faculty across the disciplines; to challenge and engage experienced faculty in the scholarship of teaching
- To actively contribute to campus-wide efforts to increase student retention, persistence, and success
- To promote and sustain lean and effective processes for assessment of student learning
- To strengthen the reputation of Daemen as a leading institution for excellence in teaching and learning technologies
The CETL Team
Phone: 716.566.7878
Email
Duns Scotus 102
Biography
Dr. Hella Jacob holds a Master of Arts degree in English from Regensburg University (Germany) and a Ph.D. in German Literature and Language from the University at Buffalo. She has taught German at different colleges, including for many years at UB. In addition to her background in teaching, she has several years of experience as a membership professional in the nonprofit sector. In 2014, Hella came to Daemen as a project assistant under Daemen’s Title III grant, supporting the various events and programs that the CETL sponsors. In 2017, Hella began coordinating the annual institutional assessment process, and since the spring of 2018, she serves as the administrative director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
Phone: 716.839.8251
Email
Curtis 204
Biography
Dr. Jack Peltz, a licensed clinical psychologist who has been a member of the Psychological Sciences department since 2017, served on the advisory board for the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) for two years prior to assuming the position of Faculty Development Director. His interest in teaching and teachers' professional development emerged from his work as a middle and high school Humanities teacher, which he pursued for 8 years and prior to entering graduate school to become a clinical psychologist. Dr. Peltz strongly believes that excellent teaching requires practitioners to be reflective, open to change, and an environment that fosters learning. In addition to being a frequent contributor to CETL events, his work in facilitating Reflective Practitioners' Groups (RPGs) provides a framework through which examining one's teaching practices can be accomplished in a supportive community, which is necessary to make effective practices sustainable. In addition, in collaboration with the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Peltz also works to support teachers in serving marginalized students so that they are provided with equal access and opportunity to succeed at Daemen. As the Faculty Development Director, Dr. Peltz serves as the principal liaison between the faculty and the CETL, working collaboratively with CETL Director Dr. Hella Jacob to provide ongoing professional and pedagogical support for all Daemen faculty members.