Eligibility & Expectations

Ignite is open to all new faculty (tenure-track, tenured, and non-tenure track) who have worked four years or fewer at UVA and are committed to contributing consistently and thoughtfully to a small, collegial learning community.

Those who will thrive in the Ignite program are open to learning-centered approaches to teaching and to critically reflecting on their role as educators situated in a particular local and global context. Since a major goal is promoting a joyful, supportive collegial network and community among faculty, consistent and active participation in the program, including classroom experimentation and bi-monthly meetings, is essential. Faculty who can commit to engaging fully in all program activities and actively contributing to a teaching community are encouraged to apply.

• Designing or redesigning a course during the CTE's Course Design Institute (CDI) or c3Design is required if you have NOT completed either program previously.
• Participating in an in-person retreat planned for Thursday, August 20, 2026, 9 AM-3 PM; more details to come.
• Actively contributing to a small, cross-disciplinary, in-person faculty learning community twice per month in the fall or spring semester (the schedule for the 75-minute bimonthly meetings will be determined depending on availability). [Note: Depending on resources and needs, we may be able to offer an online cohort in addition to the in-person cohort. If you are interested, please complete the application and send us a brief email indicating your need for an online option.]
• Using a teaching efficiency and effectiveness as well as an equity lens, continually enhancing your course by innovating and reflecting on your teaching practices, gathering and analyzing student feedback at mid-semester, and systematically assessing students’ learning (45-70 min, including readings and classroom activity/assessment planning twice a month).
• Reflecting on your role, values, identities, and responsibilities as an educator and citizen within the current institutional and societal context.
• Participating in an individual consultation to get formative feedback on your teaching (45-60 min).
• Begin drafting a reflective teaching statement for your performance or tenure review (75 min workshop including review of sample materials).