Our Vision
Advancing Teaching Excellence
ABCT envisions a college educational system where all students experience teaching that supports student success in every class.
Systemic Changes for Sustainable Results
ABCT knows that creating a college education system where evidence-based teaching is fully valued and supported requires systemic change among colleges/universities, disciplines, states, national organizations, and policymakers.
We know that prioritizing teaching excellence better prepares faculty, students, and institutions to fulfill their goals.
Vision for Students
Students will learn through teaching practices that support student success in every college course. They will not only experience a sense of belonging and inclusion but will fulfill their course requirements, thrive academically, and complete their degrees.
As a result, teaching excellence will impact their future:
- Employment;
- Earning potential;
- Economic mobility;
- Civic engagement; and
- And future thriving.
Vision for Faculty
Faculty will be hired, supported, and recognized for their commitment to teaching excellence. Aspiring faculty will be taught in graduate school about effective teaching principles, preparing them to provide student-centered learning experiences that lead to student success.
As a result, faculty will experience:
- Teaching development across early, middle, and senior career stages;
- Improved teaching efficacy, innovation, and successful student relationships;
- Workplace conditions that value and sustain excellent teaching
- Increased emphasis on evidence-based teaching in faculty hiring and evaluation;
- Enhanced collaboration and a culture of support for teaching; and
- Being seen and valued for excellent teaching.
Faculty Working Conditions
The contracts (tenure or non-tenure track, part-time or full-time), roles, and responsibilities impact faculty members' ability to teach. Various features of employment - how faculty are hired, socialized, oriented, benefits received, and other characteristics create the environment in which faculty work and are able to teach well or not. Campus leadership and unions play a role in shaping these conditions and are therefore key stakeholders in this aspect of improving college teaching. See more information about working conditions.
Vision for Colleges/Universities
Institutions will be recognized and receive support and resources due to their commitment to teaching excellence. Institutions that create and leverage an infrastructure that elevates teaching quality will improve their reputation and fulfill their mission to students.
As a result, colleges and universities will:
- Meet their academic goals through increased enrollment, retention, and graduation;
- Support local and national workforce development;
- Contribute to improving communities and democracy;
- Accomplish what the public expects from our college system.