Developing a Center for Teaching Excellence: A Higher Education Case Study Using the Integrated Readiness Matrix - Softcover

Lawrence Tomei is the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and a Professor of Education at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Tomei has published numerous articles and books on instructional technology and education and is editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Information and Communication Technology Education. He is a US Air Force veteran and retired as a lieutenant colonel.

Jim Bernauer is an Associate Professor in the School of Education and Social Sciences at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, PA. His major interests are learning and teaching in Pre-12 and higher education and research methodology.

Anthony Moretti is the Director of the Center for Innovative Teaching and Directed Engaged Learning at Robert Morris University, where he also is an Associate Professor in the School of Communications and Information Systems. He earned his PhD from the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University.

Developing a Center for Teaching Excellence provides a sound model for launching a university/college Center for Teaching Excellence. Faculty development is an essential part of maintaining and improving teaching and scholarship in higher education, and the authors have created a useful tool and roadmap to follow that is results-oriented. The clear writing and numerous specific examples pave the way for improved pedagogical and technological expertise in the classroom. (Sharon J. Sherman, dean, School of Education, Rider University)

The Integrated Readiness Matrix (IRM) is a welcome tool in a world of ever-increasing, and changing, expectations for teaching and learning in higher education. This simple, but effective, tool can be used at both the individual and institutional level to determine the current status of knowledge and skills of faculty in regards to pedagogy and educational technology. Based on this analysis, sound plans can be made for building effective and efficient professional development plans and schedules. This book provides excellent case studies of the implementation of the IRM to help guide others new to this concept. Anyone charged with guiding faculty development at their college or university would be well served to have a copy of this practical and helpful text on their bookshelf. (Fiona H. Chrystall Ph.D, director of Curriculum Quality Assurance and Assessment, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College)