CIRTL Network at UTSA empowers future educators

JANUARY 29, 2025 — The Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL), a binational network comprised of nearly four dozen higher education institutions, recently recognized the achievements of its members, highlighting its mission to prepare future educators in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Established in 2006 and supported by the National Science Foundation, the CIRTL Network unites 45 research universities across the U.S. and Canada to advance instructional excellence and foster inclusive learning environments.

The Graduate School leads UTSA’s local CIRTL community, CIRTL@UTSA, which includes more than 86 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research staff and junior faculty. Through workshops, courses and projects focused on CIRTL’s core pillars — Teaching-as-Research, Learning Communities and Learning-through-Diversity — members earn nationally recognized certifications at the associate, practitioner and scholar levels. These certifications enhance members’ professional marketability and a commitment to evidence-based teaching practices.

Since joining the CIRTL Network in 2023, UTSA has awarded over 30 associate-level certifications. CIRTL’s recent celebration honored the latest associate and practitioner recipients for their accomplishments.

“By cultivating a strong foundation in teaching and research, CIRTL@UTSA ensures that its participants are well-prepared for academic careers and beyond that prioritize high-quality teaching and learning.”

“Joining the CIRTL Network has allowed us to offer more high-impact resources to support our graduate and postdoctoral students in their journey toward becoming faculty,” said Ambika Mathur, UTSA senior vice provost for Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies and dean of the Graduate School. “Being part of this nationwide community of research universities strengthens our dedication to developing exceptional future STEM educators.”

The influence of CIRTL on its member’s careers has been significant, with many UTSA members transitioning into tenure-track faculty positions. CIRTL@UTSA members gain skills highly valued by hiring committees for teaching-focused academic positions including active learning, inclusive pedagogy and student-centered instruction.

“We are grateful to our local community, especially all the faculty who offered their courses to CIRTL@UTSA participants,” said Madhumita Joshi, director of postdoctoral success and director of CIRTL@UTSA. “By cultivating a strong foundation in teaching and research, CIRTL@UTSA ensures that its participants are well-prepared for academic careers and beyond that prioritize high-quality teaching and learning.”

The CIRTL network supports UTSA’s broader Graduate Student Success for Faculty Excellence Initiative, which is enriching graduate and postdoctoral education and career outcomes. By creating supportive spaces for sharing ideas, offering instructional and mentorship resources and promoting transdisciplinary teaching and learning communities through the network, UTSA is working to eliminate barriers in academia.

— Giselle Villalpando