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The ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University Department of Educational Leadership held an “Instructional Conversations” session to collaborate as a team and help each other grow as instructors.  

“The session was a phenomenal example of the great things that can happen when transformative leaders come together as one mind, one goal, one vision,” Kenyetta Martin, assistant professor in educational leadership, and session panelist, said. “I was truly inspired by the wealth of knowledge demonstrated by all my colleagues. As a new faculty member, I am always inspired to find new innovative ways to grow professionally.” 

In the session, selected lead professors presented discussions regarding course learning outcomes for students, assessments in courses, and ways to improve the instructional efforts of the department. After each presentation, a panel of professors, and colleagues, gave the lead professors feedback regarding their presentations. 

“I was so happy to be asked to be an external panelist for ‘Instructional Conversations’,” Ashley Dockens, associate provost of academic innovation and quality assurance and associate dean of policy and procedure for the College of Graduate Studies, said. “The commitment to teaching excellence that this project demonstrates for the entire Educational Leadership department is commendable and something I hope to see other departments across campus undertaking.” 

With nearly 3,000 graduate and doctoral students enrolled in the department, faculty is constantly trying to find new ways to evolve and improve their quality of instruction.  

"I was inspired by the collaborative effort and expertise demonstrated at the session.  I appreciate those involved in presenting their courses and the panel of professors providing professional feedback,” Educational Leadership Department Chair Tom Harvey said. 

Dockens elaborated that the sessions positive tone of constructive support created a safe and welcoming environment for faculty to be able to share ideas and get feedback for improvement. 

"In the College of Education and Human Development our professors are constantly finding new ways to provide high-quality instruction for our students. It is vital that we work to improve our skills and craft as we prepare future leaders in education,” Alberto Ruiz, College of Education and Human Development dean, said. “We are fortunate to have a faculty that welcomes constructive criticism with open arms, and uses feedback from their colleagues to improve as a team." 

Want to learn more about the Department of Educational Leadership at ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ? See for yourself at: lamar.edu/education/educational-leadership.