Open Classroom Weeks

February 19 - March 1, 2024

Networking Luncheon March 5, 12 - 1

Excellence in teaching is a cornerstone of our mission at Northern Illinois University, as is continual learning and development for everyone in our community. And yet, we rarely have the opportunity to learn from our best faculty by observing them in the classroom, particularly outside of our own disciplines. 

Open Classroom Weeks is a brand new program that provides you with the opportunity to sit in on a colleague's course or a co-curricular learning event. Participating in Open Classroom Weeks is an opportunity to learn new approaches to teaching and make connections across disciplines. Unlike peer observation for tenure and promotion, the focus is on learning as opposed to critiquing. 

Some of NIU's best faculty are opening their classrooms to colleagues interested in exploring teaching strategies and techniques, including recipients of the Presidential Teaching Professor, Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, Excellence in Undergraduate Instruction, and Excellence in Online Teaching Awards, as well as ACUE Distinguished Teaching Scholars.

All featured faculty and participants are invited to a networking luncheon on March 5 from 12-1 to reflect on the experience. Participation in the luncheon is encouraged but optional.

Space is limited, so each participant is limited to one observation session. 

Registration Information

Registration is open to faculty of all classifications and ranks (tenure-track, instructional, clinical) as well as SPS and civil service staff. Registration for each session will close approximately 24 hours before the class session so that faculty can anticipate who will be observing them. Please register only if you are committed to attending and observing.

Locations of the class meetings and the celebration luncheon will be provided after you have registered.