Peer Teaching
As with any academic field, the scholarship of teaching and learning informs our understanding of what works in the classroom. We know that observing each other in the classroom, and discussing it with others, is a great way to become a better teacher. This program aims to get NDSU faculty and teaching staff involved in those observations and discussions.
The Peer Teaching program has evolved over the years beginning with a Peer Review of Teaching then progressing to a Peer Teaching Partnership. The program has once again been revised to add an additional track that allows for use of peer teaching documentation in your promotion, tenure, and evaluation (PTE) portfolios.
Application Dates
Applicants will hear from the Peer Teaching Program coordinator a few weeks after the application deadline.
Fall Semester 2026 = September 11, 2026.
Spring Semester 2027 = January 13, 2027.
Peer Teaching Postcard
Promote the Peer Teaching Program among all your instructors for maximum impact. Distribute this card at your next faculty or graduate teaching assistant meeting.
Available Tracks
The following tracks are available to meet a variety of needs of graduate students, instructors, and faculty.
Formal – Peer Teaching Review
The Peer Teaching Review (PTR) provides instructors with a comprehensive, evidence-based review of their teaching conducted by a senior faculty member with an established record of effective teaching and collegiality. Participants receive individualized feedback designed to strengthen teaching effectiveness, enhance student learning, and support ongoing professional growth.
Throughout the process, you will collaborate with an assigned full professor who will review course materials, discuss instructional strategies, observe your teaching on multiple occasions, and engage in pre- and post-observation conversations. Together, you will reflect on teaching practices, student engagement, and assessment approaches to identify strengths and opportunities for growth.
Upon completion, participants receive a formal PTR report that can be included in promotion, tenure, and evaluation (PTE) portfolios, annual reviews, and other professional advancement materials.
Download Syllabus Review Guide >> Microsoft Word | PDF | Audio (MP3)
Download Observation Guide >> Microsoft Word | PDF | Audio (MP3)
Track 2: Informal – Peer Teaching Partnership
The Peer Teaching Partnership (PTP) connects instructors with an NDSU colleague for collaborative reflection on teaching. Partners observe one another's teaching, discuss instructional practices, exchange feedback, and explore strategies to enhance student learning.
Track 2 is intended to be a flexible and collegial professional development experience, allowing partners to determine the structure and focus of their collaboration based on their individual teaching goals and interests. Conversations and feedback remain confidential and are intended to support growth, reflection, and continuous improvement.
Upon completion of Track 2, partners may choose to document their participation through a letter describing teaching practices and improvement efforts, or they may participate as an informal professional development opportunity.
Download Syllabus Review Guide >> Microsoft Word | PDF | Audio (MP3)
Download Observation Guide >> Microsoft Word | PDF | Audio (MP3)
Participate
Applicants will hear from the Peer Teaching Program coordinator a few weeks after the application deadline. During that time we are working through the process of matching participants.