Published on
by Alivia Roach, Student Content Creator for Academic & Student Communications
How faculty collaboration at Mizzou’s Teaching for Learning Center sparks classroom breakthroughs
At academic institutions, educators have their work cut out for them—and those at Mizzou know they were each hand-picked for their expertise and skill. They guide students through conversations that help them see the world ––and their studies––from different perspectives, creating learning environments that foster growth and success.
But as they pour knowledge into the world, who is pouring knowledge into them? How do they continue to grow, innovate and receive the support they need to thrive as educators?
Victoria Mondelli, director for the Teaching for Learning Center (T4LC) and Flower Darby, associate director asked that very question––and their answer came to life in the T4LC. At the center, faculty can explore evidence-based and creative teaching strategies, proactively improve accessibility and innovate with thoughtful use of AI in the classroom.
“We offer in-person consultations, workshops, courses, labs and demos, communities of practice, institutes, and conferences. We also offer these programs and services online,” Mondelli said. “Additionally, we have a growing repository of online resources, notably a new podcast on AI Critical Literacy, a new e-book on AI and teaching, and many valuable recordings of keynote presentations and other conference sessions.”
One of the faculty members taking advantage of these resources is Amanda Paz Herrera, Ph.D., assistant teaching professor of biological sciences in the Honors College. Paz Herrera earned a double major in Chemistry and Biology at the University of the Ozarks and completed her doctoral studies at Mizzou in 2023. Paz Herrera teaches a variety of courses for the Honors College and is preparing to launch two courses in spring 2026 that incorporate tools she learned at the T4LC.
Paz Herrera is making the most of her time with the T4LC.
“They provide so many professional development opportunities to expand your pedagogical abilities, and I have found a wonderful community within the Teaching for Learning Center,” she said.
At T4LC conferences, Paz Herrera collaborates with professors across disciplines, learning alongside them. Each brings their own experience and perspective to the table, creating a space for collective growth and development.
During Summer 2025, Paz Herrera joined several other faculty members in a three-week deep dive at the T4LC Course Redesign Institute. The goal: to reimagine their courses and practices while learning from one another in the process.
“It was a wonderful and formative experience,” Paz Herrera said. “They didn’t just teach us the theory behind pedagogy –– they showed us evidence-based practices: tangible, practical activities we could incorporate into our classrooms to boost engagement and build trust with students.”
The experience inspired her to look at her teaching from a fresh perspective, meeting students where they are and designing learning experiences that feel meaningful.
Paz Herrera has embraced this student-centered approach, creating an environment where students feel comfortable being themselves so they can fully engage in their work.
One of her favorite classroom activities, Share One Photo, is a strategy she adopted from Darby while attending the institute. The activity encourages students to choose a photo in response to a simple prompt such as “a photo that brings you joy.” Paz Herrera always listens attentively and shares her photo too, setting the tone for openness and connection.
“The Teaching for Learning Center modeled these activities for us, and I’ve been able to grab, mix and match them for my students,” said Paz Herrera.
Paz Herrera also learned how to create engaging, playful learning experiences from Mondelli in the institute. Inspired and guided by Mondelli’s book, The Allure of Play, Paz Herrera designed a game-based activity to help students learn and apply virology concepts in a fun and meaningful way, which she plans to implement next spring.
Paz Herrera encourages colleagues to take part in the T4LC programs. The center offers professors immersive, hands-on learning experiences that strengthen teaching practices and build connections across disciplines.
“In my seven years as the founding director, I believe our summer Institute has been our highest touch, sustained and transformational professional development experience on offer,” Mondelli says. Thinking about future plans, she added, “I’m delighted that we will be offering it again with plans to scale it for greater reach and impact.”
Darby added, “Teaching can be a lonely business, and connecting with colleagues from across the university is hugely beneficial. I hope people who are on the fence about joining a future Course Redesign Institute see this opportunity to connect with others as meaningful and worthwhile.
Ready to reimagine your classroom? Complete the application to let us know you are interested in the next T4LC Course Redesign Institute and discover what’s possible when innovation meets community.