New England Faculty Development Consortium
Communities of Practice
Get Ready to Connect, Create, and Collaborate!
This spring, the New England Faculty Development Consortium (NEFDC) Communities of Practice (CoPs) brought colleagues together from across institutions to connect, collaborate, and grow. What made these communities so impactful? They created space for educators, faculty developers, and leaders to learn with one another—sharing ideas, experimenting, and building new approaches to teaching and learning in real time.
Across topics like artificial intelligence, alternative grading, mid-career transitions, graduate student support, and teaching center leadership, participants engaged in lively conversations, exchanged resources, and built meaningful professional connections. These communities weren’t just meetings—they were energizing, idea-generating spaces where innovation and support went hand in hand. As the NEFDC describes, CoPs are places where colleagues “gather to experiment, build, imagine, and support one another in meaningful—and fun—ways.”
At their core, Communities of Practice are about shared learning—bringing together people with common interests to deepen their knowledge through ongoing interaction and collaboration. And this spring, that spirit was fully realized.
Looking Ahead to Fall 2026
The momentum continues. Whether you joined us earlier this year or are looking to get involved for the first time, Fall CoPs will once again be offerer:
- Free of charge, no registration required. Just join the fun!
- Dynamic, cross-institutional conversations
- Monthly opportunities for resource sharing and idea exchange
- A supportive network of colleagues committed to teaching and learning excellence
If you’re looking for a space to think, connect, and create alongside others who care deeply about higher education—these Communities of Practice are for you.
- Alternative Grading
- Artificial Intelligence
- Centers for Teaching and Learning
- Mid-Career Transitions
CoPs and the Leaders
Alternative Grading and Assessment
Facilitators: Ryan Sonder & Eric Matte
This Community of Practice brings together faculty and educational developers who are exploring alternatives to traditional grading systems. Through open discussion and resource sharing, participants will exchange ideas, successes, and challenges related to alternative grading practices. This semester’s conversations will focus on implementing sustainable grading approaches, communicating changes to students and colleagues, and evaluating the impact of alternative assessment strategies.
Meeting Dates:
Tuesday Sept 15, 1:00-2:00
Tuesday Oct 13, 1:00-2:00
Tuesday Nov 10, 1:00-2:00
Artificial Intelligence
Facilitators: Laura Roberts & Lance Eaton
Whether you’re actively using AI or simply curious about its impact, this no-prep CoP welcomes anyone interested in exploring how AI is influencing teaching, research, administration, or other aspects of higher education. Together we’ll share our experiences, discuss emerging practices, and learn from one another as we navigate opportunities and challenges across the field.
Meeting Dates:
Friday, Sept 25, 2:00-3:00
Friday, Oct 30, 2:00-3:00
Friday, Dec 4, 2:00-3:00
Centers for Teaching and Learning
Facilitators: William Duffy & Lindsey Hamilton
Join our virtual Community of Practice for CTL directors and staff to connect, share in an open forum challenges and successes, and collaborate on the issues that matter most to our centers. Running monthly from September to November, this semester’s series features focused discussions on boosting participant engagement, documenting your center’s true impact, and navigating challenging institutional partnerships.
Meeting Dates:
Wednesday Sept 16, 10-11AM
Wednesday Oct 14, 10-11 AM
Wednesday Nov 4, 10-11 AM
Mid-Career Changes
Facilitators: May Hara & Chris Hakala
Thinking about what’s next in your career? Whether you’re considering a move from faculty to educational development, transitioning from educational development back to faculty work, stepping into administrative leadership, or exploring opportunities beyond higher education altogether, this Community of Practice offers a space to reflect, connect, and learn from others navigating similar questions. Through candid conversation and peer support, participants will share experiences, explore possibilities, and discuss the practical and personal dimensions of career change.
Meeting Times:
Wednesday, Sept 23, 12:30-01:30
Wednesday, Oct 21, 12:30-01:30
Wednesday, Nov 18, 12:30-01:30
If you have any questions please email: Mary Wiseman, mwiseman@stcc.edu