El Paso Community College (EPCC) is making a significant mark in the professional development of its faculty with the Teachership Academy's latest cohort, a record group of 25 educators embarking on a journey towards teaching innovation. Established in 2008, this academy is well-known for its rigorous ten-month program that coaches full-time and part-time faculty through a process designed to rejuvenate teaching methods and strategies that ultimately benefit students in the classroom.
According to EPCC News, this cohort features participants from diverse disciplines, amounting to a varied and rich community of educators eager to delve into the academy's Action Research Project, this project serves as a crucial element of the pedagogical growth process and a stepping stone for the enhancement of student success at EPCC, with the current Phase I set to wrap up in May 2026. Dr. Lydia Tena, Northwest Campus Dean and Dean of Instructional Programs, conveyed her satisfaction with the academy's progress, "Having served as the founding administrative liaison for the Teachership Academy from the onset in 2008 to the present, it is extremely gratifying to see the energy and drive of each member of one of the largest Phase I cohorts, with twenty-five participants from eighteen disciplines representing four of the campuses," as per EPCC News.
As detailed by EPCC News, the Teachership Academy is a phased endeavor; it starts with Phase I, a foundation in collaborative learning methodologies and active research, followed by a more advanced Phase II that further sharpens teaching prowess alongside leadership and scholarly communication skills. Moreover, the completion of Phase II opens doors for EPCC faculty to contribute to the scholarly landscape through the Teachership Academy Journal of Action Research (TAJAR), a peer-reviewed avenue to display their academic pursuits.
