The UAB Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) has recently introduced a new format to their professional development opportunities for UAB educators, called Building Blocks, which offer multiple sessions on a key teaching topic over a condensed period of time. Participants who commit for 90 minutes of professional development for three consecutive weeks and complete an optional application assignment can earn 35,000 points towards a CTL certificate. During Fall 2026, the CTL is offering these 5 Building Blocks:
Advancing Global Learning
Explore Global Learning as a high-impact teaching practice that helps students develop the skills needed to thrive in an interconnected world. Participants will discover practical strategies for incorporating global learning into courses at any level, will learn about Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) as an option for teaching that promotes both Global Learning and workforce readiness, and will be inspired by other faculty members' experiences.
Wednesdays, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, September 30, October 7, October 14. Lunch provided. Register here.
Principles of Good Teaching
Why do some students thrive while others struggle to engage? What motivates students to learn, and how has technology changed the way they experience education? In this three-workshop CTL series, we will examine foundational principles of learning and motivation, explore how today's students differ from previous generations, and discuss practical strategies for applying these insights in the classroom. Whether these topics are new to you or you are simply in need of a refresh, you'll leave with concrete ideas for enhancing student learning.
Wednesdays, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM, October 14, 21, 28. Register here.
Advancing your Teaching Career at UAB – ½ Day event
Preparing your annual review packet, especially when going up for tenure and promotion, is a big task. Join the CTL for expert advice on how to tell the story of your teaching through your documentation, which will include a deep dive into how to employ IDEA surveys and portfolios as a part of your plan, as well as a presentation of perspectives from those who have already successfully navigated the process.
Friday, October 16, 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM. Lunch provided. Register here.
The Basics of AI for UAB Teachers
Have you jumped into the waters of AI at UAB yet? If not, take a bit of time to investigate at least a bit of what AI means for you as a UAB educator. This introductory series will also introduce you to the basics of prompt generation and how you might use AI to redesign an element of a course—or a course itself.
Wednesdays, 11:30 PM – 1:00 PM. Lunch provided. Register here.
Fostering International Student Success at UAB
Because of cross-cultural differences in educational systems around the world, many of our international students enter a very different academic context when they arrive at UAB. Our own educational practices are not necessarily the norm everywhere! In this half-day workshop, guided by input from UAB faculty and students from global backgrounds, you will learn about many of these differences. Then, you’ll explore how you can negotiate the differences to help our international students thrive. Learn specific strategies for managing group work and writing assignments, presenting comprehensible lectures, promoting participation, and encouraging student initiative throughout your courses.
Mondays, November 2, 9, 16, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM. Register here.
For questions or more information, contact the CTL at