Advancing Classroom Excellence (ACE)

The Advancing Classroom Excellence (ACE) Program supports early career faculty in developing effective teaching practices. This cohort-based program combines large group sessions, small group collaborations, classroom observations, and personalized feedback to help faculty build pedagogical skills and classroom confidence. Participants, called ACE scholars, agree to commit between 1-3 hours per week to ACE Program activities.

Program Goals

Introduce evidence-based teaching practices relevant to STEM and other disciplines

Foster a supportive community of practice among early career faculty

Provide structured opportunities for teaching observation and feedback

Connect new faculty with campus teaching resources and mentors

Program Structure

Building Blocks

The Building Blocks workshop is designed to give Missouri S&T instructors dedicated time and support to develop or redesign a course while taking advantage of resources provided by the Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence (CAFE). Through focused training and structured work time, participants will plan and begin building a Canvas course for immediate use. ACE scholars are strongly encouraged to participate.

Full Cohort Orientation Workshop

ACE scholars will be introduced to the program structure, coaches, and fellow ACE scholars. The session also covers several campus services, including testing and disability services, as well as a discussion on linguistic diversity and communication in the classroom.

Full Cohort Meetings

The full cohort of ACE scholars will meet several times throughout the semester to collaborate on topics including:

Academic integrity, especially in an AI environment

Developing assessments

Canvas tools for grading and feedback

Inclusive teaching practices

Strategies for managing difficult classroom conversations

Small Group Meetings

ACE scholars will also meet in smaller groups throughout the semester. These sessions provide a more personal setting to discuss teaching challenges and professional goals. Topics include:

Teaching challenges and goals, including teaching with AI

Student engagement, effective communication, classroom management, and setting expectations

Planning for required ACE activities and reflecting on what participants have gained

Discussing observations and takeaways from both observing and being observed

Classroom Observations

ACE scholars will participate in three observations: two in which they observe an experienced faculty member, and one in which members of the Peer Evaluation of Teaching (PET) committee or ACE Program will observe them. These observations provide opportunities for the ACE scholars to reflect on their teaching practices and engage with others about classroom instruction styles.

August - November 2025 Program

The 2025 ACE Program graduates, pictured above, successfully completed the Advancing Classroom Excellence (ACE) program. This year's cohort included 36 participants who demonstrated a commitment to enhancing their teaching practices and creating engaging, student-centered learning environments. Throughout the program, participants developed evidence-based instructional strategies focused on active learning, student engagement, and effective classroom design. The ACE program equips educators with practical tools and resources to foster meaningful learning experiences and improve student success.

36 participants successfully completed the program.
100% program completion rate.
12 departments or colleges represented.
250+ professional development hours completed.

The continued success of the ACE program reflects its positive impact on teaching excellence and instructional innovation. As the program grows, we look forward to expanding its reach and continuing to support faculty in creating exceptional learning experiences for students.