Non-Degree Programs

CCT Competencies

Certificate in College Teaching Core Areas of Competency

While working on the Five Core Competencies, students should:

  1. Be diligent in recording their work (e.g., attending workshops, completing a class) related to each competency. Click here to browse a list of potential upcoming CCT program seminars.
  2. Write the reflection required as soon as possible after each competency is completed.
  3. Be sure to complete steps required by the Graduate School for specific competencies (e.g., mentored teaching project worksheet, portfolio checklist).
  4. Work closely and regularly with your music faculty mentor.
  5. Enroll in MUS 964: College Music Teaching Seminar. 
  6. Maintain all work in a portfolio. Click here to review a variety of portfolio samples from the Graduate School, including resources on how to create ePortfolios.

The CCT program was assembled around the following five core competency areas:

Core Areas Knowledge about…
1. Adult Students as Learners/Creating Learning Environments
  • Learning Styles
  • Diversity
  • Motivation
  • Communication Skills
  • Active Learning
  • Classroom Management
  • Strategies
2. Discipline-Related Teaching Strategies
  • Design and facilitate learning of discipline-specific content
  • Instructional Design
  • Plan Course Objectives
  • Teaching Contexts: Discussions, Small Groups, Laboratories, Lectures, Rehearsals, Office Hours, Lessons
3. Assessment of Learning
  • Testing
  • Grading
  • Classroom Assessment
  • Portfolio Assessment
4. Technology in the Classroom
  • Internet, e-mail
  • Multimedia
  • Distance learning
5. Professional Development/
Understanding the University
  • Understanding 2- and 4-year Colleges
  • Community Colleges
  • Faculty Rights, Roles, and Responsibilities
  • Preparation of Materials (CVs, Cover Letters, Performance Portfolios)
  • Applying and Interviewing for Jobs in Higher Education
  • Navigating the Tenure and Promotion Process

Competency in these five core areas is a requirement of the CCT. Participation in workshops, seminars, specific courses, course-specific training programs and professional meetings may count toward completion of the core areas. Each of these competencies can be satisfied through the course work, assignments and activities required in MUS 964. However, participation in additional activities is strongly encouraged