Passport to Great Teaching Program
Welcome to the updated Passport Program for Fall 2026
For details on the changes, see the FAQs below
Passport to Great Teaching is a professional development program that lets you choose which path to travel as you earn teaching certificates. Your certificates can be added to your teaching portfolio, CV or LinkedIn profile. Complete the two required badges in order to earn the accompanying certificate.
University of Florida faculty, staff, TAs, post-docs, and graduate students are all welcome to participate.
Start Your Journey Here
- If you don’t have a Passport Portal account, create one using your Gatorlink.
- Find teaching workshops and events on the Events & Workshops page.
- Register for workshops and one of the Passport to Great Teaching Certificates on the Passport portal.
- To stay up-to-date on CTE news, subscribe to the CTE listserv.
For other questions, email Zaina DeLaney. For the full FAQ please scroll to the end of this page.
Passport to Great Teaching Certificates
There are 9 active Passport to Great Teaching certificates to choose from.
Expand the drop-down options below to view certificate requirements and instructions.
Overview
This certificate focuses on reducing barriers that can impact student learning and success. Participants will explore strategies for increasing access to course materials, designing learning experiences that support a wide range of learners, and creating environments where all students can fully engage in the learning process. Through affordable course resource practices and accessible instructional design, participants will develop approaches that help students thrive. Earning this certificate demonstrates a commitment to expanding educational access through intentional course design and resource selection.
Required Badges:
- Open and Affordable Resources
- Accessibility in Learning Design
Overview
Develop the knowledge and skills needed to thoughtfully integrate artificial intelligence into teaching and learning. This certificate explores the opportunities, challenges, and evolving role of AI in higher education while emphasizing ethical, effective, and learner-centered practices. Participants will gain practical strategies for leveraging AI to enhance course design, learning activities, assessment, and student support. Earning this certificate demonstrates a commitment to adapting teaching practices for an AI-enabled future.
Required Badges:
- Foundations of AI
- Artificial Intelligence
Develop the knowledge and skills needed to excel as a clinical educator in healthcare learning environments. This certificate focuses on effective clinical teaching practices, meaningful learner assessment, and feedback strategies that support professional growth and competency development. Participants will explore approaches for fostering clinical reasoning, promoting reflective practice, and creating positive, learner-centered clinical experiences. Earning this certificate demonstrates a commitment to excellence in clinical education and to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals through high-quality teaching, assessment, and mentorship.
Required Badges:
- Clinical Teaching Effectiveness
- Clinical Assessment and Feedback
Overview
Create learning environments where students can thrive academically, personally, and professionally. This certificate focuses on fostering meaningful connections, strengthening student persistence, and cultivating classroom communities that support growth and success. Participants will explore strategies for motivating learners, building trust, and helping students navigate challenges throughout their educational journey. Earning this certificate demonstrates a commitment to supporting the whole student and promoting long-term achievement.
Required Badges:
- Relationship Rich Classrooms
- Growth-Oriented Learning Communities
Overview
Build a strong foundation in evidence-based teaching practices that support student learning and success. This certificate guides participants through the essential elements of effective course design, instructional planning, and classroom facilitation. Through a combination of learning and reflection, participants develop practical strategies to create engaging, inclusive, and well-structured learning experiences. Earning this certificate demonstrates a commitment to the core principles of great teaching.
Required Badges:
- Intentional Design for Teaching
- Effective Teaching Practices
Overview
Develop expertise in both intercultural engagement and global pedagogy through professional learning focused on cultural competencies and global learning. Participants learn to communicate effectively across cultural contexts, navigate differing perspectives, and design courses that connect disciplinary content to international and global issues. This certificate prepares educators to create globally engaged learning experiences that broaden students’ understanding of the world and their place within it.
Required Badges:
- Cultural Competencies
- Global Learning
Overview
Develop the knowledge and skills needed to create meaningful, high-quality online learning experiences. This certificate focuses on designing well-structured online courses that align with data-driven higher education standards, and fostering engagement and connection in virtual learning environments. Earning this certificate demonstrates a commitment to evidence-based online teaching practices that support student success.
Required Badges:
- Crafting Quality Online Learning
- Fostering Engaging Online Learning
Overview
Build the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to excel in the teaching assistant role. This certificate prepares graduate teaching assistants to support student learning through effective instructional practices, meaningful student interactions, and a strong understanding of teaching and learning principles. Participants will develop strategies for facilitating learning, managing teaching responsibilities, and creating positive learning environments. Earning this certificate demonstrates a commitment to teaching excellence and professional growth as an educator.
Required Badges:
- TA Fundamentals
- TA Excellence
Overview
Rethink assessment as a powerful tool for learning, engagement, and student success. This certificate explores strategies for designing meaningful assessments, providing actionable feedback, and using assessment data to continuously improve teaching and learning. Participants will develop skills in both traditional and innovative assessment practices that promote deeper learning and more authentic demonstrations of student achievement. Earning this certificate demonstrates a commitment to creating assessment experiences that are equitable, purposeful, and learner-centered.
Required Badges:
- Useful Feedback
- Meaningful Assessment
Badges
Category badges are awarded for earning 500 miles in the same category.
When registering for a workshop, you will have the option to choose your category.
Badges are required to earn a certificate.
Accessibility in Learning Design
Effective course design helps ensure that students can engage with learning materials, activities, and assessments in multiple ways. This badge explores principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and practical strategies for creating accessible learning experiences. Participants will develop approaches that support flexibility, clarity, and usability throughout their courses.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Explore practical applications of artificial intelligence that can enhance teaching and learning. This badge focuses on using AI tools to support course design, instructional activities, assessment, productivity, and student engagement. Participants will build confidence in selecting and implementing AI tools effectively and responsibly.
Clinical Assessment and Feedback
Effective assessment and feedback are essential for developing clinical competence and supporting learner growth. This badge focuses on evaluating learner performance in authentic clinical settings and providing constructive, actionable feedback. Participants will develop strategies that promote reflection, competency development, and continuous improvement.
Clinical Teaching Effectiveness
Outstanding clinical teaching requires intentional strategies that engage learners while supporting patient care. This badge focuses on evidence-based approaches for teaching in clinical environments, facilitating clinical reasoning, and creating positive learning experiences. Participants will develop practical techniques for maximizing learning opportunities and fostering learner success.
Crafting Quality Online Learning
Exceptional online courses begin with intentional design. This badge focuses on developing clear learning pathways, aligning course components, and using online tools and technologies to create accessible, organized, and effective learning experiences. Participants will learn strategies for building high-quality online courses that support student achievement.
Cultural Competencies
Build your ability to communicate, collaborate, and teach in ways that support all learners including but not limited to, Gen Z, non-traditional, and first generation students. This badge explores strategies for fostering positive learning and work environments, navigating differences constructively, and supporting student success. Participants will strengthen intercultural competence and learn practices that promote meaningful engagement across contexts.
Effective Teaching Practices
Effective teaching requires strategies that actively engage students and promote learning. This badge explores instructional practices that foster participation, build classroom community, and support student success. Participants will learn evidence-based approaches for delivering impactful learning experiences and responding to diverse learner needs.
Fostering Engaging Online Learning
Instructor presence and student engagement are essential for successful online learning. This badge explores strategies for building community, encouraging interaction, and creating active learning opportunities in virtual environments. Participants will develop approaches that promote connection, participation, and meaningful learning online.
Foundations of AI
Build a strong understanding of the fundamental concepts, capabilities, and limitations of artificial intelligence. This badge explores how AI systems work, key considerations for ethical and responsible use, and the implications of AI for higher education. Participants will develop the foundational knowledge needed to make informed decisions about AI in teaching and learning.
Global Learning
Prepare students to understand and engage with the interconnected challenges, opportunities, and perspectives that shape our world. This badge focuses on course design, pedagogical approaches, and experiential learning opportunities that foster global awareness and international engagement. Participants will explore ways to connect disciplinary content to global contexts and help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a global society.
Growth-Oriented Learning Communities
Learning is strengthened when students feel connected, supported, and valued as contributors to the classroom. This badge focuses on creating engaging learning environments that encourage participation, build trust, and support a wide range of learner needs. Participants will develop strategies for fostering meaningful classroom connections and promoting growth for all students.
Intentional Design for Teaching
Great teaching begins with intentional design and thoughtful planning. This badge focuses on creating clear learning outcomes, aligning assessments and activities, and organizing courses to support meaningful student learning. Participants will develop skills to design learning experiences that are purposeful, effective, and engaging.
Meaningful Assessment
Assessment should provide meaningful opportunities for students to demonstrate what they know and can do. This badge explores the design of authentic, creative, and meaningful assessments, including alternative assessment approaches, project-based learning, and universal design principles. Participants will develop strategies for creating assessments that are engaging, and relevant to real-world learning.
Open and Affordable Resources
Course material costs can significantly influence student success and participation. This badge explores strategies for identifying, creating, and adopting affordable learning resources, including open educational resources (OER) and library-supported materials. Participants will learn approaches for expanding access while maintaining high-quality learning experiences.
Relationship-Rich Classrooms
Strong relationships are a cornerstone of student success and persistence. This badge explores strategies for fostering motivation, supporting academic resilience, connecting students with resources, and navigating challenging interactions through effective communication and conflict management. Participants will develop approaches that help students stay engaged, overcome obstacles, and progress toward their goals.
TA Fundamentals
Establish a strong foundation for success as a teaching assistant. This badge equips participants with essential knowledge of university teaching expectations, effective instructional practices, and strategies for supporting student learning through the TA orientations and TA Principles and Strategies course. Participants will gain the core skills needed to begin their teaching journey with confidence.
TA Excellence
Move beyond the basics to refine and enhance your teaching practice as a graduate teaching assistant. This badge focuses on applying high-impact teaching strategies, fostering student engagement, and navigating common instructional challenges. Participants will develop the skills and confidence needed to create impactful learning experiences and grow as effective educators.
Useful Feedback
Effective feedback helps students grow and achieve their learning goals. This badge focuses on designing feedback and assessment processes that support learning through formative assessment, rubrics, peer feedback, alignment, and evidence-based improvement cycles. Participants will learn how to use assessment information to guide both student progress and instructional decision-making.
FAQ
Find frequently asked questions under each of the categories.
How do I earn a certificate?
You can earn a certificate by earning the two required badges for that certificate.
What happens to my previous certificates?
Your previous certificates are still valid.
If you were working toward a certificate and/or badge prior to Fall 2026, you have two options:
- Complete your remaining badges and/or certifications by the end Fall 2026, or
- Transfer your in-progress miles to the new program.
Please note that all previously earned miles and credentials will remain valid regardless of the option you choose.
Once you have decided which path you would like to pursue, please complete this form.
What are microcredentials and how do they relate to the Passport Program?
A microcredential badge is a competency-based award that reflects an individual’s mastery in a specified area. The value of a micro-credential is that it meets an in-demand industry need and may provide the awardee with a competitive advantage in the workforce.
Microcredentials are not a part of the Passport Program. We have a few courses that are now eligible for a microcredential.
Why do I need my passport?
Your government issued passport is not needed for the Passport to Great Teaching program. You will be issued virtual credentials as part of the Passport Program.
Can graduate students participate in the Passport to Great Teaching program?
Yes, we encourage any graduate students to attend all of our workshops! Graduate students can also earn miles, badges, and certificates in the Passport to Great Teaching Program.
What is a reflection and how do I submit one?
Reflections are assignments within the Passport Portal that help you apply what you learned to your own teaching practices. Reflections are required for conferences, asynchronous workshops, courses, or any Passport to Great Teaching activities not hosted by the Center for Teaching Excellence. Once you complete one of these activities, you will need to submit your reflection by clicking on the Submit Activity button which can be found on the homepage of the Passport Portal.
I was working towards a certificate/badge, what do I do now that the programming has changed?
You have two options:
- Complete your remaining badges and/or certifications by the end Fall 2026, or
- Transfer your in-progress miles to the new program.
Please note that all previously earned miles and credentials will remain valid regardless of the option you choose.
Once you have decided which path you would like to pursue, please complete this form.
What are miles?
Miles are equivalent to points. You will earn a set number of miles for each workshop you attend or activity you complete. Miles are awarded for events and workshops once. You cannot apply an individual workshop to more than one certificate.
How many miles is each activity?
Each Passport to Great Teaching activity is worth a different number of miles depending on the type of activity:
- Synchronous and asynchronous workshops: 50-500 miles ea.
Conferences: 250 miles ea.
Teaching Beyond the Podium podcast activities: 10 miles ea.
To see the number of miles for a specific workshop, visit the he Upcoming Activities page in the Passport Portal. You can also visit reflections page, to view the Asynchronous Events that count towards the Passport Program.
Note: Some activities will require a reflection in order to receive miles. All asynchronous activities, courses, conferences, and Teaching Beyond the Podium podcast activities require a reflection in the Passport Portal.
If I attend a conference or workshop outside of the Passport to Great Teaching Program will I be awarded miles?
No, you can only earn miles by participating in designated Passport to Great Teaching activities. You can find them on the Upcoming Activities page under the Activities & Reflections tab in the Passport Portal.
If I attend the same conference but in different years, will I be awarded separate miles for each?
Yes, if you attend a conference in 2026 and then again in 2027 you will receive 250 miles for each once you submit your reflections in the Passport Portal.
Will I receive miles for attending Interface?
Yes, you will receive 250 miles if you attend all of Interface and submit a reflection in the Passport Portal.
What are badges?
Badges are small incremental achievements. Badges are awarded by earning 500 miles in one category. Each workshop has designated categories; you choose one of these categories for each workshop you attend. Once you have earned 500 miles in the same category, you will be awarded the badge for that category.
Do I need to earn a badge in order to get my certificate?
Yes, you must earn the two required badges in order to earn the applicable certificate.
Do badges apply towards multiple certificates?
No, each badge is only applicable towards one certificate. Each badge is unique to its assigned certificate.
If I attend another conference or workshop outside of the Passport to Great Teaching Program will I be awarded a badge?
No, you can only earn badges by participating in designated Passport to Great Teaching activities which you can find in the Passport Portal.
Do I have to complete the certificate within a certain amount of time?
Yes. Unless otherwise stated, all certificates must be completed within three years of your start date.
If I attend/attended a workshop, can I apply it to more than one certificate?
No, each workshop can only be applied once to one certificate.
Can I complete multiple certificates at the same time?
Yes, but since certificate programs require a time commitment, we recommend completing one at a time.
What category does the workshop I’m attending apply to?
View the calendar on the events and workshops page. Under each workshop, you will see “Passport Categories.” The categories listed are all of the possible category options for each workshop.
Will the workshop apply to all categories listed?
No, it will not. Based on the categories listed, you can choose one category for the workshop.
I want to participate but I’m not in Gainesville. Can I still participate?
Yes, you can! There will be designated workshops that will be hosted online. To see which events are hosted online, go to the Events and Workshops page and click on an event you want to attend in the calendar. You will see the location under the event details.
If I’m participating online, how will I receive a passport, stamps, badges and certificates?
All credentials are virtual and will be awarded to the email address on file with your Passport Portal account.
Will online sessions be recorded?
No. Due to the activities and level of engagement in our workshops, you must attend the synchronous session online.
What is a campus collaborator?
Campus collaborators facilitate workshops for participants of the Passport to Great Teaching Program.
I’m interested in facilitating a workshop, but I’ve never done that before and I’m not sure where to begin.
The Center for Teaching Excellence can help! We can set up a meeting to discuss how workshops normally run and help you plan your workshop. Send an email to CTE to set up a time.
What are the benefits of becoming a collaborator?
By becoming a collaborator, you’ll get to connect to faculty across campus who are interested in your topic and identify potential collaborators for future research or other projects. Additionally, hosting workshops can count towards awards like the Rising Star Award.
What is the Passport Portal?
The Passport Portal is a platform developed for participants of CTE’s Passport to Great Teaching Program. The purpose of the portal is to have one central location where participants can:
- Register for a Passport to Great Teaching certificate
View and register for Passport to Great Teaching workshops
Check on miles and badges they’ve earned
Submit reflections
Post questions and chat with other participants through the discussion board
Can I register for Passport to Great Teaching workshops without using the Passport Portal?
No, the only way to register for Passport to Great Teaching workshops is through the portal.
Are other events and workshops unrelated to the Passport to Great Teaching program in the portal?
No, workshops that are not part of the Passport to Great Teaching program are not in the portal and will have a registration link in the description of the event.
I received an error when trying to register for a workshop in the portal. Now what?
If you are registering for a workshop but haven’t created an account in the Passport Portal, you must first create an account. After creating an account, you will receive a confirmation email and then you will be able to register for workshops. If you still receive an error, please screenshot the error and email CTE.
I’m having trouble navigating the portal. Who can I contact for help?
Please contact us. Our email is here CTE.
Can I still attend a Passport to Great Teaching workshop without registering first?
Yes; however, we encourage you to create your account and/or register beforehand to save you time when signing-in on the day of the workshop. Our sign-in process is now logged electronically through the portal, so you will need to create your account and/or register at the time of the workshop if you did not do so beforehand.
I attended an activity and don’t see my miles in the portal?
or synchronous workshops, you must sign in using the attendance link provided during the session in order to receive mileage credit. For asynchronous activities or activities not hosted by CTE, you must submit a reflection in the Passport Portal before mileage can be awarded. Please note that mileage for the Global Learning Institute, Design a Virtual Exchange, and Study Abroad Leadership Program is uploaded only once annually and may not appear in the portal until the annual upload is completed.
I’ve attended a lot of workshops, FLCs, and events, and I’ve also won CTE awards. How can I also contribute?
Share your expertise and knowledge by leading a workshop, contributing an article, or presenting at the Interface Teaching Conference. Learn more ways you can continue to be involved with the UF CTE teaching community.