Eighty Steps

College faculty continue to have very little preparation for teaching. In a 2018 poll by The Chronicle of Higher Education, only 19% of faculty reported having received "decent" teacher training in graduate school, while 44% reported having no pedagogical training whatsoever. Moreover, these faculty are often unprepared to teach in culturally diverse learning environments which were disrupted by the COVID pandemic. Institutions often provide initial support for new teachers through faculty orientations and Centers for Teaching and Learning, but many do not provide ongoing mentoring of teaching. No wonder that 55% of higher ed faculty are seriously considering changing careers (Fidelity Investments, 2021).

Eighty Steps collects teaching anecdotes and reflections from experienced and award-winning college faculty at a mid-sized, regional comprehensive, Hispanic-Serving Institution in West Texas. They speak from diverse backgrounds and represent a wide range of experiences across academic rank and discipline. While the contributions to this volume offer innovative pedagogical strategies, practical teaching tips, and recommended readings, they place the greatest emphasis on the kind of outlook college teachers must have if they are to be successful. As the title indicates, the contributors to Eighty Steps believe college faculty can become great teachers if they are given enough time and support from their community and institution to grow into their vocation. While a new faculty orientation is an important first move towards helping teachers reach that goal, there are many steps which follow.