Learning Circles
Learning Circles are small, collaborative groups who meet to read and discuss teaching topics of shared interest.
Participants engage with a selected book or set of readings and contribute their unique perspectives drawn from diverse disciplines and teaching experiences.
Learning Circle participants will:
- Discuss ideas from the readings.
- Build camaraderie through collaboration.
- Plan ways to apply concepts in their classrooms.
Learning Circles are open to all faculty, staff, and graduate students engaged in USU’s teaching excellence community. Books are selected by facilitators, and Learning Circles are optional professional development opportunities that help uphold the principle of academic freedom.
Fall 2026 Learning Circles
Crucial Conversations
by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler
Facilitated by Denise Rice Prior and Lindsey Soffe
Mondays 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Oct 19 | Oct 26 | Nov 2 | Nov 9
What the Best College Teachers Do
by Ken Bain
Facilitated by Chris Babits
Thursdays 10:30am - 11:30am
Sep 10 | Sep 17 | Sep 24 | Oct 1
Pedagogy of Hope: Reliving Pedagogy of the Oppressed
by Paulo Freire
Facilitated by Marcela Lemos
Wednesdays 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Sep 9 | Sep 16 | Sep 23 | Sep 30
Anti-Racist Community Engagement Principles and Practices
Edited by Christina Santana, Roopika Risam, Aldo Garcia-Guevara, Joseph Krupczynski, Cynthia Lynch, John Reiff, Cindy Vincent, and Elaine Ward
Facilitated by Sidi Meyara
Thursdays 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Sep 24 | Oct 1 | Oct 15 | Oct 22
Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning (2nd Edition)
by José Antonio Bowen
Facilitated by Apoorva Chauhan
Wednesdays 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Sep 16 | Sep 30 | Oct 14 | Oct 28
What Research Tells us about Supporting Students
by Alexis Redding
Facilitated by Marlene Graf
Fridays 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Oct 16 | Oct 23 | Oct 30 | Nov 6
The Joyful Online Teacher: Finding Our Fizz in Asynchronous Classes
by Flower Darby
Facilitated by Jenny Willmore
Mondays 10:30am - 11:30am
Oct 26 | Nov 2 | Nov 9 | Nov 16
Reach Everyone, Teach Everyone: Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education
by Kirsten T. Behling and Thomas J. Tobin
Facilitated by Mahesh Sivasubramanian
Tuesdays 12:00pm - 1:00pm (every other week)
Sep 1 | Sep 15 | Sep 29 | Oct 13
Experiential Learning in the College Context
by Jay W. Roberts
Facilitated by Lindsey Soffe
Mondays 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Sep 21 | Sep 28 | Oct 5 | Oct 12
Earn an ETE Learning Circle Contribute badge by leading your own group. Facilitators work with ETE staff to plan, organize, and guide meaningful discussions around teaching topics. We reach out to potential facilitators mid-semester to begin planning the schedule for the following semester. Ready to get started? Click the button below to complete the Facilitator Form and begin planning your Learning Circle.