CTE Teaching Groups provide an opportunity to explore new teaching approaches and deepen your teaching and scholarly practice alongside colleagues. They are open to all GW educators and focus on a variety of topics. Groups typically happen over the course of a semester, summer, or in some cases, a year.
Explore our current options below to find out more:
How to apply
Each Fall semester Teaching Group has its own interest form with its own closing date. Complete the interest form to share why you would like to join the group and to receive calendar invitations.
Fall 2026 Teaching Groups
Book Group: Distracted
What is this group, and why should I apply?
Engagement, technology in the classroom, AI tools… much teaching discussion lately revolves around how distracted students are. James Lang, author of this fall’s book group read, Distracted: Why Students Can’t Focus and What You Can Do About It, presents research behind distraction and attention and practical ideas for helping our students pay attention to what is important in our courses.
This book group is for GW educators who wonder why students seem especially unable to focus and how they can respond to the distractions competing for students’ attention.
Still on the fence? Here’s what participants in previous CTE book groups have had to say:
- “The books are always thought-provoking, but the real benefit is the chance to reflect on teaching and learn from colleagues' experiences.”
- “Each week I was able to meet and learn from passionate educators from across the university. This group helped me look at teaching in a new way and helped me rekindle my passion for education.”
- “I was able to directly implement things I learned from the book club into my teaching to improve my instruction, grading, and student engagement.”
When & where
We will be holding an in-person group and a virtual group (note that you will commit to one group or the other; neither group is hybrid). There is one interest form for both groups.
In-person group
Dates: Wednesdays from 11 a.m.–12 noon on October 21, November 4 and 18
Location: Gelman Library
Virtual group
Dates: Mondays from 1–2 p.m. on October 19, November 2 and 16
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Participants who commit to attending at least two of the three meetings will receive a hard copy of the book.
Express interest in the book group by October 8
Community of Practice: Designing for Student Learning in the Age of AI
What is this group, and why should I apply?
Are you looking to revise your assignments and course activities in response to emerging AI technologies? Want to do so in a structured and supportive environment where you can test out your ideas with colleagues across disciplines? This community of practice (CoP) provides a collaborative space for GW educators to modify their courses and assignments and create example resources to share with the larger GW community.
Check out what previous participants have created: AI-Responsive Assignments @GW
All educators are welcome. You are NOT expected to be an expert in the use of generative AI or to embrace AI without reservation. We encourage critical, ethical, responsible use of AI, including informed resistance.
Participants will:
- Attend 3 one-hour meetings to exchange ideas and share insights on activity and assignment design in the age of generative AI
- Develop an activity or assignment ready to go for a future semester
- Optional: Participate in a culminating event to showcase ideas with other participants and the larger GW community
Still on the fence? Here’s what participants in the Spring 2026 CoP had to say:
- “My thinking is evolving, and hearing about how colleagues deal with concerns that are blind spots for me will be part of that evolution.”
- “This cohort is a really solid example of interdisciplinarity in action.”
- “Many other colleagues are just trying to figure all of this out, just like me!”
When & where
Dates: Fridays from 11 a.m.–12 noon on October 9 and 23, and November 6
Location: Virtual via Zoom
