Certifications

CIRTL Certificates are nationally recognized credentials that showcase your commitment to evidence-based teaching and supporting diverse learners. Adding a CIRTL Certificate to your CV or LinkedIn profile demonstrates your dedication to effective, inclusive education practices. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate signed by CIRTL@CU administrators.

Certificate Levels and Requirements

1. Associate Certificate (Foundational Level)

Build a strong foundation in teaching and learning practices.

Requirements:

  • Attend 5 activities on pedagogical practices (workshops or courses) offered by the CTL.
  • Complete 1 activity focused on Social Responsibility (topics include Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, or Ethics).
  • Submit a teaching philosophy statement.

Where to Find Activities: Activities can be offered by:

  • CU programs (CTL, Graduate School, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, Career Services).
  • Regional CIRTL partners (CU Denver, Anschutz, Colorado Springs).
  • National CIRTL network (online or in-person).

2. Practitioner Certificate (Requires Associate Certificate)

Deepen your expertise in teaching methodologies and research-based practices.

Requirements:

  • Complete an Associate Certificate.
  • Attend 5 additional activities on pedagogical topics.
  • Engage in teaching experience or educational research:
    • TA, guest lecture, or instructor of record (CU Boulder campus, in-person or online).
    • Attend workshops on Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL).
    • Take "Planning Your Teaching as Research Project" (online at CIRTL.net).
  • Participate in 1 activity focused on diversity or culturally responsive teaching.
  • Submit a revised teaching philosophy statement.

3. Scholar Certificate (Requires Practitioner Certificate)

Showcase advanced commitment to teaching and research excellence.

Requirements:

  • Complete a Practitioner Certificate.
  • Attend 3 advanced workshops/events on teaching and learning.
  • Gain teaching experience as an instructor of record.
  • Develop a teaching portfolio (aligned with CTL’s Certificate in College Teaching).
  • Complete and present a Teaching as Research (TAR) Project:
    • Present a poster at CIRTL events or a teaching-focused conference.
    • Publication of your TAR project is encouraged but not required.
Staying Connected

You can stay connected by joining the CIRTL@CU Canvas Community Page.

We are part of a larger network of educationists – the nationwide CIRTL network. 
Join in here: https://www.cirtl.net/events

Our newsletter is published monthly during the academic year and includes timely teaching strategies and resources, updates, and upcoming events of interest to the campus teaching community.

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