Jax State of Teaching & ACUE: Supporting Quality Teaching. Strengthening Student Learning.
Jax State of Teaching is a university-wide initiative focused on strengthening and supporting quality teaching across our campus. Building on the work of the Jax State of Teaching Task Force and our newly established Core Principles of Quality Teaching, the initiative provides a shared framework for what quality teaching looks like at Jax State and how we can continue to support faculty in achieving it.
As part of this commitment, Jax State has partnered with the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) to expand professional development opportunities for faculty. Through self-paced learning, nationally recognized certification, and flexible teaching resources, ACUE provides practical, evidence-based strategies faculty can use to strengthen teaching and support student learning.
Together, Jax State of Teaching and our ACUE partnership provide faculty with multiple opportunities to reflect on their teaching, explore new approaches, and continue growing as educators—whether you have a few hours to invest or are ready to pursue a full teaching certification.
The Jax State of Teaching initiative seeks to:
- Establish a shared understanding of quality teaching
- Support continuous faculty growth
- Strengthen teaching and student learning
- Promote reflection and continuous improvement
- Build a culture that values and celebrates quality teaching
Core Principles of Quality Teaching
One of the outcomes of the Jax State of Teaching Task Force was the development of the Jax State Principles of Quality Teaching, approved by the Faculty Senate and Extended Deans Council in Spring 2026 and implemented beginning Fall 2026.
These aspirational principles serve as Jax State's institutional definition of quality teaching. They supplement the minimum expectations outlined in the Faculty Handbook and provide a framework for teaching expectations, training, evaluation, reflection, and continued growth.
5 Core Principles of Quality Teaching
Expertise in disciplinary knowledge and skills enhances clarity and relevance.
- Model disciplinary thinking and standards
- Encourage critical thinking and curiosity
- Translate expertise into clear, learnable instruction
Teaching with challenge and rigor must offer clear guidance connected to intentional learning outcomes.
- Create transparent course and assignment design
- Explain why assignments matter and how they connect to outcomes
- Supply specific, growth-oriented feedback
Learning takes place when learners are engaged, assumptions are challenged, expectations are shared, and relationships are built around the purpose of learning.
- Establish an inclusive and respectful classroom environment
- Practice flexible, responsive teaching to address diverse student needs
- Encourage learners to take responsibility for their learning
Learning is deeper and more meaningful when students actively engage.
- Prioritize active, collaborative learning methods
- Embed experiential learning opportunities (research and performance learning, service learning, travel-based learning, and work-based learning) that include structured reflection and constructive feedback
- Provide personalized, relational instruction
Teaching must ensure student preparedness in a rapidly-changing world.
- Ensure relevant education by integrating current research, technologies, and methodologies into curriculum
- Foster student development through attention to industry standards and professional expectations
- Cultivate an innovative mindset to manage change
Jax State + ACUE
As part of our commitment to supporting quality teaching, Jax State has partnered with the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) to provide faculty with flexible professional development opportunities centered on effective, evidence-based teaching practices.
Whether you are looking for a short introduction to effective teaching strategies, interested in earning a nationally recognized teaching certification, or simply want resources you can explore when you have time, there is an option for you.