Teaching at Teaching Intensive Institutions Conference

Teaching at Teaching Intensive Institutions 2024 Conference
Friday, September 27, 2024
Otsego Grille – Morris Conference Center

SUNY Oneonta hosted the Teaching at Teaching Intensive Institutions (TTII) Conference on Friday, September 27, 2024. Modeled on the successful conference held by UMASS Amherst for the past six years, the purpose of this event was to invite graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career academics who are considering or preparing for careers at teaching intensive institutions. Students from across the region were invited to attend.

Teaching-intensive institutions are colleges and universities that place priority on teaching. These institutions, such as community colleges, liberal arts colleges, and comprehensive universities focus on providing high-quality education and fostering strong student-faculty interactions.

Employment Opportunities at SUNY Oneonta

Conference Schedule
Time Session Facilitator(s)
9:00 - 9:30 A.M. Refreshments and Check-in
9:30 - 9:45 A.M. Welcoming Remarks

Dr. Enrique Morales-Diaz
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

9:45 – 10:45 A.M.

This plenary session offered a comprehensive overview of institutions that prioritize teaching, such as community, comprehensives, and liberal arts colleges. We explored their diverse characteristics, including mission, values, student populations, sizes, and governance models. The session aimed to demystify the roles these institutions play in higher education and to illustrate the impact they have on students and communities. Participants learned how to assess these factors effectively to find an institution that aligns with their academic and professional aspirations. Thank you for joining us to understand what it truly means to work within these unique educational environments.

Moderator: Mark Davies, Dean of School of Education, Human Ecology and Sports Studies


Panelists:
Kim Fierke, Sport and Exercise Sciences
Katherine Griffes, Sport and Exercise Sciences
Brett Heindl, Political Science
Joseph Pignato, Music
Sean Shannon, Business

10:45 – 11:45 A.M.

Balancing research and teaching is a unique challenge at teaching-intensive institutions. This presentation offered strategies for maintaining an active research agenda while fulfilling the primary commitment to teaching. Topics included time management, seeking funding and collaboration opportunities, and integrating research into the classroom to enhance student learning.

Moderator: Cindy Falk, Assistant Dean for the School of Graduate Studies


Panelists:
Maria Montoya, World Languages and Literatures
Erik Stengler, Cooperstown Graduate Program
Christine Storrie, Economics
Kjersti Vanslyke-Briggs, Secondary Education and Educational Technology

11:45 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.

Networking Luncheon

The Networking Luncheon provided attendees with the opportunity to have one of the volunteers review their cover letters and CVs, offering advice on how to best apply to teaching positions. Attendees were matched with volunteers in their respective fields, disciplines, and areas.

1 - 2 P.M.

Breakout Sessions

Tailored for graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, this session offered comprehensive guidance on the job application process in these fields. From crafting your CV and cover letter to effectively presenting your teaching and research experience, this workshop provided valuable insights to stand out in the competitive academic job market.

This session provided specialized advice for graduates in Humanities and Social Sciences, focusing on how to navigate the academic job market. Attendees learned how to highlight their teaching experience, research, and contributions to their field in their job applications, as well as tips for successful interviewing and negotiating job offers.

Breakout Session 1 (STEM Careers):
Moderator: Tracy Allen, Dean for School of Sciences


Panelists:
Ron Bishop, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Jeffrey Heilveil, Biology
Angela Migues, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Erik Stengler, Cooperstown Graduate Program
William Vining, Chemistry and Biochemistry
James Zians, Psychology


Breakout Session 2 (Arts and Sciences):
Moderator: Jeanine Minge, Dean of School of Liberal Arts and Business


Panelists:
Philip Sirianni, Economics
Elizabeth Small, World Languages and Literatures
Christine Storrie, Economics

2:00 - 2:05 P.M. Break
2:05 - 3:05 P.M.

This inspirational session explored the role of teaching as a powerful tool for social change. Attendees discovered how their work as educators in teaching-intensive institutions can contribute to social justice, equity, and inclusion. Through examples and case studies, participants learned strategies for incorporating social justice themes into their teaching practices, creating inclusive classrooms that challenge students to think critically about their role in society.

Moderator: Gabriel Aquino, Dean of Graduate Studies


Panelists:
Shahin Kachwala, Women's and Gender Studies
Maria Montoya, World Languages and Literatures
Roberto Rincon, Africana and Latinx Studies
Sean Shannon, Business

3:05 – 3:15 P.M. Closing Remarks

Please contact the Provost’s Office for any questions, Provost@Oneonta.edu or 607-436-2517.

Back to top