CIRTL Certificates are nationally recognized certifications that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-informed teaching and to centering and supporting learners (especially diverse learners) and mechanisms of learning in your teaching. A CIRTL Certificate is something you can put on your CV and LinkedIn profile. You will receive a certificate signed by CIRTL@CU administrators after completion.

Levels of Certificates

Associate

This initial level is the foundation of teaching and learning.

Associate Requirements:

  • 5 activities (workshops or courses) across topics on pedagogical practices offered by the CTL
  • 1 additional activity (workshop or course) focused on Social Responsibility which can include any of the following:
    • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
    • Ethics
  • A teaching philosophy statement

These activities can be offered by several programs at CU (CTL, Graduate School, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, Career Services), regional CIRTL partners (such as CU Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, CU Colorado Springs) and the national CIRTL network. These activities can be face-to-face or remote.

Practitioner (Requires Associates Certificate)

The second level of CIRTL certification demonstrates deeper knowledge and skills in the methodologies and practices of quality teaching and learning.

Practitioner Requirements:

  • Associate certificate
  • 5 additional activities (workshops or courses) across topics on pedagogical topics
    • At least 2 activities demonstrating teaching experience or learning about educational research:
      • Any workshop on educational research/Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
      • Actual teaching experience
        • May be TA, guest lecture, or instructor of record
        • Must be on ²ÊÃñ±¦µä campus
        • May be face to face or online delivery
      • Planning Your Teaching as Research Project course (offered online at CIRTL.net)
    • At least 1 activity focused on diversity, diverse learners, or culturally responsive teaching and learning
  • Revised teaching philosophy statement

Scholar (Requires Practitioner Certificate)

This final level of CIRTL certification shows your commitment and experience in teaching and learning.

Scholar Requirements:

  • Practitioner Certificate
  • 3 workshops/events on teaching and learning (more advanced topics are recommended)
  • Teaching experience as an instructor of record
  • Develop a teaching portfolio (same as CTL’s Certificate in College Teaching)
  • Implement and present a final Teaching as Research Project
    • The presentation can be a poster at CIRTL all network TAR presentations or at a conference with sessions focused on teaching and learning
    • Publication of the TAR project is highly desired, but not required for Scholar Certificate. 

While you pursue any level of certificate, please contact the CTL staff if you want to be sure your selected activities will count toward certification.

Staying Connected

  • You can stay connected by joining the CIRTL@CU Canvas Community Page. 
  • We are part of a larger network of educationists – the. Join in here: