Teaching Squares

What are Teaching Squares?

Teaching Squares are a collaborative peer observation process that promotes reflective teaching and the exchange of instructional ideas. In this non-evaluative model, a small group of faculty members observe one another's classes with the goal of learning from different teaching approaches and classroom environments.

Rather than focusing on the instructor being observed, participants concentrate on what they can learn and apply to their own teaching practices.

How Teaching Squares Work

Teaching squares are instructor groups that foster growth and self-reflection in teaching practices. Each square has an initial meeting, classroom observations, and a debrief. The initial meeting provides an opportunity to set goals and schedule classroom observations. Each instructor in a square will attend a class of each other group member to reflect on their own teaching. Then, instructors will debrief and brainstorm ideas on how to implement new practices in their own courses. 

Faculty participants:

1. Form a group of four instructors from diverse disciplines.
2. Observe one another's classes throughout the semester.
3. Reflect on teaching and learning practices observed.
4. Meet as a group to discuss insights and share strategies.
5. Apply new ideas to their own courses.

join a teaching square

If you are interested in being in a Teaching Square, sign up below. Email any questions to tlc@shsu.edu.

Applications for Fall 2026 open May 1, 2026 and close Aug. 28, 2026.

Applications for spring 2027 open Nov. 2, 2026 and close Jan. 15, 2027.

Teaching Squares Sign Up