Teaching Excellence at Illinois

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, we believe excellent teaching transforms lives and communities. It goes beyond simply delivering information. It is a thoughtful, inclusive, and evolving practice that challenges students and supports their success both inside and outside the classroom.

The Four Pillars of Teaching Excellence

1. Well-Designed

     Great teaching begins with intentional and thoughtful course design. Instructors:

   • Set clear, challenging, and attainable learning goals aligned with course and program objectives
   • Develop student-centered learning activities and assessments that actively support these goals
   • Provide organized, high-quality course materials that clearly communicate expectations, grading criteria, and policies

2. Well-Delivered

   Strong delivery brings courses to life and fosters deep learning. Instructors:

   • Use class time and out-of-class activities effectively, incorporating active learning strategies and technology where appropriate
   • Communicate content clearly and engagingly in both writing and speech
   • Provide timely, constructive, and fair feedback directly connected to learning objectives
   • Encourage critical, analytical, and creative thinking
   • Promote a growth mindset that supports continuous student development
   • Engage students cognitively, emotionally, and behaviorally throughout the course

3. Inclusive and Ethical

   Inclusive teaching ensures all students feel respected, supported, and valued. Instructors:

   • Design equitable and accessible learning experiences using approaches such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
   • Highlight diverse perspectives, practitioners, and applications within course content
   • Treat students with fairness, integrity, and respect
   • Apply course policies consistently and transparently to build trust and accountability

4. Reflective and Evolving

   Excellent teaching is a continuous journey of growth and improvement. Instructors:

   • Regularly revise course content and teaching methods to remain current, rigorous, and research-informed
   • Use data from teaching evaluations, peer feedback, and professional development to guide improvements
   • Create a learning environment that welcomes and responds to student input and fosters open dialogue

Teaching Beyond the Classroom

Excellence in teaching extends beyond direct instruction. Faculty contribute meaningfully to the broader culture of learning through activities such as:

A holistic review of teaching excellence considers both classroom instruction and these broader efforts that shape a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative learning community.

Reference

The Office of the Provost, University of Illinois. (2025, July 15). Teaching Excellence Defined.