Alliances
The Alliances Program at Camosun College was developed to meet the needs of faculty wanting to develop their teaching skills, increase their understanding of student learning, and to provide support and friendship to other faculty members.
The Alliances Program differs from traditional mentoring programs in that it facilitates the matching of three faculty members (alliances) and moves away from past hierarchical models of mentoring. Alliances are collaborative, they foster collegiality, and they facilitate reflection on, and development of, teaching practice.
Alliance group members work with one another for one academic year and meet throughout the semester to discuss teaching philosophy and practice, explore strategies for resolving teaching or student issues, and generally provide ongoing support to their alliance members. All participants contribute equally. At the end of each year, the alliance is terminated and new alliances are formed.
Participation in an alliance is voluntary, fun, and serves to bring faculty together to reflect on their teaching practice
Why should you join?
- share pedagogical expertise and knowledge
- improve your teaching and learning practice
- provide support and encouragement to others working on the continued development of their teaching philosophy and practice
- identify and share resources and information that support teaching excellence
- share strategies for success in solving student, instructional, departmental and college related issues
- increase your understanding of the academic culture of Camosun College
- meet new people outside of your discipline, department or building; create new social networks
- increase the self esteem and confidence of “new” or “junior” faculty by supporting their ongoing development and providing support at critical times
- access to networking opportunities related to research, social opportunities etc.
- exposure to fresh perspectives and energy
- facilitate your ongoing professional and personal development and prevent burnout
For further information, call or email Karin Kaercher at 370-3333 or Nancy Sly at 370-3498.