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Promotion Guidelines for Teaching Professor of the Department of Computer Science

Last updated: November 18, 2024

The promotion to Teaching Professor in the Department of Computer Science requires candidates to demonstrate sustained excellence in teaching and service as a Senior Lecturer. Promotion to Teaching Professor is based on accomplishments documented in rank as a Senior Lecturer. These accomplishments include, but not limited to:

Teaching Contributions

  • Excellence in Teaching: Candidates must demonstrate a record of high-quality teaching that shows sustained teaching excellence over time. This includes an overall positive trend of student evaluations from courses, a consistent record of positive peer reviews of classroom teaching, and evidence of positive student learning outcomes and testimonials. There is no time limit for applying for the promotion to a Teaching Professor rank, and candidates may reapply as needed
  • Scholarship of Teaching and Learning: Candidates must show evidence of their scholarship, which involves disseminating new knowledge in retrievable, peer-reviewed formats. These can take the form of a sustained record of peer-reviewed presentations, and articles in conferences and/or journals appropriate for the dissemination of pedagogical methods and practices in the discipline.
  • Leadership in Teaching: Candidates must demonstrate leadership in teaching, with activities evaluated based on their impact. Leadership can encompass course development, enhancing inclusive teaching practices, organizing teaching-related events, and engaging with community partners. Also mentoring junior instructors or adjuncts is highly recommended.

Promotion should reflect significant accomplishments that surpass those recognized at the Senior Lecturer level. Candidates must demonstrate contributions in three areas: direct pedagogy, curricular development, and scholarship of teaching and learning. While academic work could focus on one or two areas, all three areas must be documented.

Service Contributions (Sustained and Significant)

For promotion to Teaching Professor, candidates must demonstrate significant and sustained contributions to service, both within the department, the school, and the university as well as to the broader academic community, which may include:

  1. Departmental, School, and University Service
    • Leadership in Committees: A record of taking on leadership roles in department, school, and campus committees, demonstrating initiative and making substantial contributions to institutional mission and goals.
    • Program Development: Active participation in the development and oversight of academic programs, including curriculum design and assessment processes.
  2. Mentoring and Advising
    • Junior Faculty Mentorship: Demonstrated leadership in mentoring junior faculty or teaching assistants, supporting their development as educators and helping them navigate challenges in their academic careers.
    • Student Support: Ongoing involvement in advising students, supporting their academic and career goals, and fostering a sense of community within the department.
  3. Broader Service to the Profession
    • External Contributions: Active participation in academic conferences, professional organizations, and collaborations that enhance the reputation of the department and contribute to the advancement of the field of computer science education.
    • Public Engagement: Contributions to public outreach activities, such as organizing or speaking at workshops, seminars, or community events related to computer science education.

Overall, the promotion process emphasizes quality teaching, leadership, and scholarly contributions to the field of computer science education.