Q&A with Matthew Paolucci, Ph.D.
Faculty Director of Teaching and Learning
Center for Teaching & Educational Technology (CTET)

1. How do you expand curriculum to address bias, and discrimination behaviors in the classroom?

I help lead inclusive teaching programming at the Center for Teaching & Educational Technology (CTET). Our new faculty fellow for inclusive teaching – Dr. Megan Burke (pronouns: they, them) – has been holding workshops on trans-inclusive teaching, and is currently leading a faculty learning group on pandemic informed teaching for diverse students. Dr. Burke also created a resource page for inclusive pedagogy on the CTET website. They also offer faculty consultations any aspect of inclusive teaching that they would like support with. ​

2. What does an equitable and inclusive classroom environment look and feel like?

First, an inclusive classroom is a space in which there is a shared sense of belonging across all social identities in the room. Second, the backdrop of majority group domination that is likely embedded in the course content and teaching practices is actively dismantled. Third, the pathway for student success is clear and achievable for all students.

3. What training or workshop are you currently working on for the SSU community?

I think that two years of workshops and training to meet the challenges of remote teaching has taken its toll on faculty. and that many are quite understandably "workshopped out". For the time being, I am going to forgo workshops and offer spaces for faculty to simply connect. I am planning a "Coffee and Connection" space this fall, to occur monthly on Thursdays at 12pm (9/15, 10/13, 11/10, & 12/15). This will be an informal space for faculty to connect and discuss challenges and successes in teaching with CTET’s faculty fellows, to troubleshoot problems or get new ideas on the spot - with free coffee and snacks!