Main Content
Explore, Discover, Connect...
Office of Digital Learning is now the Office of Teaching Excellence
The Office of Digital Learning has a new name. The Office of Teaching Excellence more accurately reflects our mission and strategic focus. This change is not merely a cosmetic update; it's a reorientation that underscores our primary commitment to enhancing pedagogy and fostering innovative teaching practices. While technology remains a critical tool in the classroom, our core function has always been, and will continue to be, supporting faculty in developing effective instructional strategies, regardless of the delivery mode. The new name better communicates our dedication to empowering educators with the skills and knowledge to create engaging and impactful learning experiences for all students, transcending the specific digital platforms used. This shift ensures our identity aligns with our central purpose and UW's commitment to excellence in teaching as demonstrated in the new Core Elements of Effective Teaching in Faculty Code.
The Office of Teaching Excellence (OTE) staff is available Monday–Friday, 7:30a–4p.
Please drop in to our daily office hours, request a consultation, attend a workshop or join a learning community.
Teaching @ UW
The tri-campus hub for learner-centered and reflective teaching practices
The Teaching@UW network helps all UW faculty, staff educators, and graduate instructors cultivate a reflective, learner-centered teaching practice. The product of a deep, tri-campus collaboration between the UW Center for Teaching and Learning, the UW Bothell Learning & Teaching Collaborative, and the UW Tacoma Office of Teaching Excellence, Teaching@UW supports coordinated development of high-quality, evidence-based programs and resources.
Accessibility Insights
Create and maintain courses accessible to all
The Office of Teaching Excellence offers UW Tacoma faculty and staff direct support for learning about accessibility in digital course materials. Learn about upcoming workshops, drop-in support hours for individual assistance, and schedule one-on-one consultations to ensure your content is accessible to all students. We can also direct you to training opportunities and central resources based on your materials and accessibility scores.
Core Elements of Effective Teaching
Research-based teaching strategies
The UW Faculty Senate recently updated the Faculty Code to ensure that teaching at UW is aligned, inclusive and equitable, active and engaged, growth-oriented, and relevant. Taken together, the elements of effective teaching help instructors create more effective learning environments. The Office of Teaching Excellence at UW Tacoma and Teaching@UW can help you learn how to incorporate these elements into your teaching.
Learning Events and Opportunities
Have a teaching question?
Let's Connect!
Whether you have a teaching challenge or want to explore a new idea, we are here to support you.
Excellent Teaching
Our Mission
The Office of Teaching Excellence empowers UW Tacoma faculty to continuously refine and enhance their pedagogical practices through evidence-based strategies and innovative approaches. We provide focused resources, collaborative opportunities, and expert guidance to cultivate engaging, equitable, and effective learning environments that maximize student success.
Our Vision
The Office of Teaching Excellence will be the recognized leader at UW Tacoma for fostering a culture of teaching excellence and pedagogical growth. We aspire to inspire and equip faculty with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to create transformative learning experiences for all students, contributing to a campus-wide commitment to educational innovation.
