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Physical Therapy Faculty Development Workshop - July 2026

Thursday, July 30, 2026 to Saturday, August 1, 2026

Northwestern University’s Chicago Campus

645 Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-2826
United States
83 Seats Remaining

* Registration open until 6/10/26 at 11:59 PM (EDT)

Register Now

Event Details

Workshop Goals:

a) Introduce novice faculty to established roles in the academy.
b) Facilitate professional growth of developing faculty members.
c) Cultivate a network of academic colleagues among workshop participants and
facilitators.
d) Discuss elements of a professional development plan including teaching, scholarship, and service.
e) Design instructional activities and assessment methods that reflect contemporary best practices, culturally responsive teaching, and a student-centered approach.

Focused Learning Opportunities:

a) Discussions on balancing responsibilities of teaching, research and service as the new faculty member acclimates to a role in higher education.
b) Applying core principles of teaching and learning, using best practices in course development, student assessments, and student engagement.
c) Empowering master adaptive learners.
d) Fostering professionalism and student support through academic advising, coaching, and/or mentoring.
e) Focusing on the unique role of the Director of Clinical Education (DCE) as a member of the faculty team.
f) Individual or small group consulting opportunities with faculty facilitators during the workshop.
g) Post course synchronous networking and follow-up for participants.
 

Participants:

This workshop is designed for full time PTA or DPT faculty who have less than 5 years of experience within academia.  The in-the-seat workshop is limited to 75 participants. Participants will receive in advance required materials to bring to workshop once registration is completed. Please do not make travel arrangements until you receive confirmation of registration. 

Institutional Commitment:

With your registration confirmation, a link will be provided to submit a signed statement of support from your program director for your participation in the full workshop.  

Ethical and Confidentiality Commitment:

Given that there may be discussion about sensitive issues and difficulties faced by some participants in their roles as faculty, participants and faculty facilitators will be asked to agree to a promise of confidentiality.

CEUs:

  • Main Workshop is 21 Contact Hours
  • Optional DCE Session is 4 Contact Hours

Faculty Facilitators and Invited Speakers:

  • Dawn S. Brown, PT, DPT, EdD, OCS, Northwestern University
  • Christie Cohoon, PT, DPT, OCS, St. Louis Community College – Forest Park
  • Jeremy Houser, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, Lincoln Memorial University
  • Myles Quiben, PT, DPT, PhD, MS, University of North Texas Health Science Center 
  • Kirsten Potter, PT, DPT, Tufts University
  • Tricia Prokop, PT, EdD, CSCS, Bowling Green State University
  • Nikki Sleddens, PT, ABD, CEEAA, University of Nebraska Medical Center
  • Angela Wallace, PTA, McHenry County College

Agenda: 

Note: The schedule of topics noted below are tentative and may be changed. In addition, there will be opportunities for participants to consult in small groups with faculty facilitators. Participants will receive a final schedule a few weeks prior to the workshop. A light breakfast will be provided each day. Lunch will be provided for all participants on days 1 and 2; on day 3, lunch will be provided for DCE participants.

Day 1: Thursday July 30, 2026

  • Welcome & Overview
  • Culture of Academy
  • Developing Program Policies
  • Scholarship & Scholarly Agenda
  • Principles of Teaching & Learning
  • Syllabus and Course Design
  • Instructional Strategies & Student Engagement
  • Professional Participation and Service

Day 2: Friday July 31, 2026

  • Student Retention and Success
  • Assessment of Student Learning
  • Program and Curriculum Assessment
  • Research and Scholarship Development
  • Service and Work Life Integration

Day 3: Saturday August 1, 2026

  • Instructional Design: Pulling the Pieces Together
  • Concurrent Sessions
  • DCE as a Faculty Appointment: Optional with additional registration required

Registration Information:

The deadline for registration is June 12, 2026. Early registration is encouraged to ensure enrollment. The in-the-seat Physical Therapy Faculty Development Workshop is limited to 75 participants.

  • APTA Academy of Education Member: $600
  • APTA Member: $640
  • Non-Member: $795
  • Add on DCE/ACCE Workshop: $150 – Limited to 30

If you have questions, please email coordinator@aptaeducation.org

Cancellations and Refunds:

Cancellation requests for the workshop received by June 12, 2026 will receive a full refund minus a $50 administration fee. There will be no refunds for no-shows or cancellations after June 12, 2026 (unless the conference has a waitlist). Cancellation requests must be submitted by email to APTA Academy of Education Registration Center, academy@aptaeducation.org

Location:

The workshop will be held on the campus of Northwestern University’s – Chicago campus - 645 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL. 

A block of hotel rooms has been reserved within walking distance to the Northwestern campus. Details will be sent to registrants separately.