Interface 2026  

The University of Florida’s Center for Teaching Excellence invites UF and Non-UF Faculty, Staff, Teaching Assistants (TAs), Graduate Teaching Assistants (GAs), Post-docs, and Educators to submit proposals for a 30 or 50-minute session at the 2026 Interface Conference, held in the Reitz Union on Tuesday, April 28 and Wednesday, April 29. The Interface Teaching Conference is a dynamic two-day event designed to support and inspire educators both within and beyond the University of Florida. Day 1 will focus on teaching and learning with hands-on activities while day 2 will focus on research in teaching and learning. This annual gathering brings together faculty, staff, graduate assistants, post-docs, and academic leaders from diverse institutions to explore innovative strategies in teaching, learning, and research. 

Here are some tracks we suggest your proposals follow: 

1. Building Relationships through Innovative Teaching
    Focus: Engaging, student-centered pedagogy and course design 

    Topics may include: 

• Active learning approaches that promote connection and engagement 
• Building strong instructor-student connections 
• Graduate/undergraduate teaching strategies 
• Student voice and co-creation in learning environments 
• Interdisciplinary and integrative curriculum design 
• Strategies for large enrollment courses 
• Experiential learning that deepens student engagement 

2. Technology in Teaching: Tools and Platforms
     Focus: Technology-enhanced teaching and learning environments 

    Topics may include: 

• AI-powered teaching tools 
• Designing effective online course modules 
• Learning analytics and adaptive platforms to personalize instruction 
• Emerging technologies for engagement and assessment 
• Scalable strategies for large enrollment courses 
• Designing quality virtual learning experiences 

3. Learning through Assessment & Feedback
    Focus: Measuring learning and supporting student growth 

    Topics may include: 

• Innovations in formative feedback and grading practices 
• Using course analytics and evaluations to improve learning outcomes 
• Designing assessments that promote deep learning and engagement 
• Course revision and redesign informed by course and student data 
• Research on grading and measuring learning outcomes 

4. Professional Development, Mentorship & Leadership
    Focus: Professional growth and institutional impact 

    Topics may include: 

• Faculty learning communities and peer coaching 
• Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students 
• Leadership in curriculum innovation and change management 
• Instructor well-being and career development 
• Reframing accessibility as equity in teaching 

5. Resilience while Navigating a Changing Workforce Environment
    Focus: How institutions can support both instructors and students in navigating today's challenges. 

    Topics may include: 

• Addressing instructor burnout and promoting sustainable teaching practices 
• Navigating workload, expectations, and economic pressures in higher ed 
• Building community and connection among instructors across disciplines 
• Supporting students facing uncertainty in the job market and career pathways 
• Addressing the impact of AI on majors, skills, and future employment 
• Mental health and resilience strategies for students under pressure