What This Means for You
- More than 750 professors in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education have completed a nationally recognized teaching certification since 2021.
- PASSHE was the only higher education system in the country this year to receive ACUE’s “Movement Maker” award for improving teaching quality.
- The 10-month certification focuses on student engagement, retention, and graduation outcomes.
HARRISBURG, PA — More than 750 faculty members across Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education have completed a national teaching certification program since 2021, as part of a systemwide effort to strengthen classroom instruction and improve student outcomes.
The milestone was marked this week as 55 additional faculty members completed the 10-month Effective Teaching Practices certification offered by the Association of College and University Educators, known as ACUE.
PASSHE also received ACUE’s “Movement Maker” award at the National Higher Education Teaching Conference, recognizing large-scale leadership in improving teaching quality. According to PASSHE, it was the only higher education system in the nation to receive the award this year.
What the Certification Involves
The ACUE Effective Teaching Practices certification is a research-based professional development program designed to help faculty improve student engagement, course design, and instructional clarity.
Faculty complete the certification while continuing to teach their regular courses. The program provides strategies to design clearer assignments, foster active learning, and support student retention — meaning keeping students enrolled and progressing toward graduation.
PASSHE launched its partnership with ACUE in 2021 and has expanded participation each year.
Focus on Student Outcomes
System leaders said the effort is aimed at strengthening teaching practices that help students succeed academically and complete their degrees.
Retention refers to a student’s ability to remain enrolled from year to year, while graduation rates measure how many students complete their programs within a defined timeframe.
Faculty participants said the program provides practical tools that can be applied immediately in the classroom, including strategies for team-based learning and clearer communication of expectations.
Broader Context
Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education includes public universities across the Commonwealth and serves thousands of students annually.
System officials said strong instruction supports PASSHE’s stated mission of providing affordable, high-quality education and preparing students for careers in high-demand fields.
A video highlighting PASSHE’s recognition by ACUE is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqKOrGjS3rM.
The award was presented during the National Higher Education Teaching Conference.
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