Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence

Transforming Educators into Changemakers

Power-of-Plain-Language. The Power of Plain Language: Myths, Benefits, and Best Practices
Presenters: Melanie DeLeon (Communication Access and Digital Inclusion Manager) and Anette Hassold (Program Specialist, ADA/504 Compliance). Summary In this presentation, […] Posted September 11, 2025
Foster Inclusive Learning and Academic Belonging Harnessing Cultural Capital to Foster Inclusive Learning and Academic Belonging
Maria Sefchick presents practical strategies for educators to shift from a deficit perspective to an asset-based framework using Tara Yosso’s cultural wealth model. Learn how to leverage students' aspirational, linguistic, and social capital through culturally relevant materials, storytelling, and reflective activities to boost engagement, confidence, and academic belonging in the classroom. Posted September 11, 2025
AI-for-Administrative-Tasks AI for the Educators: Module 3: AI for Administrative Tasks & Personalized Learning
Discover how educators can leverage AI tools like Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and Claude to streamline administrative tasks and personalize student learning. Presenter Sibai Li demonstrates practical applications—from drafting emails and scheduling to creating adaptive study guides and course chatbots—while emphasizing data privacy, accuracy, and responsible AI implementation in the classroom. Posted September 11, 2025
Enhancing-Confidence-in-Students From Surviving to Thriving: Enhancing Confidence in Today’s Students
In this presentation, Natalie Mix and Rebecca Hillary share practical strategies to boost student confidence, belonging, and academic success. Educators will learn how to foster inclusive learning environments and teach essential study skills—including active learning, metacognition, and reflection—helping students become more engaged, resilient, and independent learners across any discipline. Posted September 11, 2025
Refresher-Training Staying Sharp Online: Training Paths for Every Instructor
Discover professional development options offered by PCC’s Online Learning team to enhance online and hybrid teaching. From foundational orientations to specialized pathways like BEARS, POSM, and MARMOT, faculty can find training tailored to their experience and modality. Access workshops, D2L resources, accessibility tools, and personalized instructional support to build engaging courses. Posted September 11, 2025
Trauma-Informed-Approaches-3 Trauma Informed Approaches: Balance & Self-Care Strategies
Discover a trauma-informed approach to faculty and staff self-care. Learn how chronic stress and trauma trigger fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses, and explore practical regulation strategies—from mindfulness and the RAIN framework to healthy boundaries. Recognize burnout signs and build a realistic, multi-dimensional self-care plan to stay grounded while supporting students. Posted September 11, 2025
CARE Referrals Referring Confidently with CARE: Steps and Strategies for Submitting CARE Referrals
Learn practical strategies and steps for submitting CARE referrals at PCC to help students navigate personal, financial, and academic challenges. Posted September 8, 2025
Raising Awareness of the Cascade Festival of African Films
Discover how PCC’s Cascade Festival of African Films provides free cultural cinema, educational resources, and classroom opportunities for faculty and students. Posted September 8, 2025
Sparking Student Curiosity - PCC STEAM Centers Sparking Student Curiosity: Connecting Classrooms to PCC STEAM Centers
Discover how PCC faculty can partner with district STEAM Centers to integrate hands-on making, emerging technologies, and experiential learning directly into course curricula. Posted September 8, 2025
Trauma-Informed-Approaches Trauma Informed Approaches (TIA) in Higher Education (Modules 1-3) (Session Repeated)
PCC counselors share practical Trauma-Informed Approaches (TIA) for higher education. Learn how trauma and stress affect student learning, master the "Regulate, Relate, Reason" framework for dysregulation, and apply six core principles—including safety, flexibility, and cultural responsiveness—to foster an inclusive classroom culture that supports memory and executive function. Posted September 8, 2025