Coaching for Connection: A playbook for successful implementation of an eFaculty coaching model

Concurrent Session 2

Session Materials

Brief Abstract

Improving the outcomes of faculty teaching online courses is paramount for the success of the students enrolled in eLearning courses and programs. TCC Connect Campus established an eFaculty Coach program, to assist, guide and support faculty through coaching, training and the utilization of data. In this session, the presenters discuss the outcomes of the initiative, now at a more mature phase. 

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Kristen Kelton, Tarrant County College

Dr. Kristen Kelton has served TCC Connect Campus since 2018. She worked to bring Dr. Morales’ efaculty coaching vision to fruition. Kristen holds the following degrees: Bachelors in Education, Masters in Administration, and Ph.D in General Psychology. Her dissertation (Instructor-Generated Interactions and Course Outcomes in Online History Courses) was published in December 2021. She is currently a member of the 2021-2022 CLARA cohort. Kristen’s work experience involves working with learners at every level- Kindergarten through Masters. She moved from K-12 to Higher Ed in 2011, serving as Evaluation Manager for the Nursing Professions College at Western Governors University prior to joining TCC Connect.

Co-presenter: Carlos Morales, Tarrant County College District

Dr. Carlos R. Morales is the founding President of TCC Connect Campus at Tarrant County College District, a comprehensive two-year institution providing education to more than 100,000 students annually. As president he manages, directs, and implements TCC policies, programs, and operating strategies for Distance Learning, and Weekend College initiatives for the College. Dr. Morales has extensive online and classroom teaching experience in the areas of Biology, Science Teaching, Education and Instructional Technology. Dr. Morales has published internationally peer-reviewed journal articles on the topics of instructional technology. Morales graduated from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, with bachelors and masters degrees in Biology and Science Education, and received his doctorate, with a dissertation on Constructivist Learning Environments in Online Course Design, from Capella University. He was a Frye fellow in 2009 and in 2012 the American Association of State Colleges and Universities named him a Millennium Leadership Fellow.

Extended Abstract

This presentation covers the implementation of an e-mentoring program for online faculty at TCC Connect Campus, the online campus of Tarrant County College District. In 2018, TCC Connect Campus established an eFaculty Coach program designed to assist, guide, and support faculty through the utilization of data, coaching, and training. In its fourth full year, the model supports faculty in developing critical aspects of quality and compliance related to community, communication and active presence, substantive and regular interaction, and the administration of the virtual classroom. The eFaculty coach also ascertains areas where s/he can deliver just-in-time training (JITT) in areas for faculty to improve their skills.  

eFaculty coaches work closely with faculty to ensure student outcomes, faculty expectations, strategic plans, and institutional goals are met. The initiative goals aspire to reach 100% of the faculty in an ever-present and long-term road map. Moreover, this initiative reduces the distance between faculty teaching online courses and mid-level administrators while ensuring the teaching and learning endeavor is under continuous support. Departmental data produced via observations by eFaculty coaches are sent to Department Chairs and Deans for further analysis and utilization, allowing the campus to expand its data-informed planning and operating process. In a similar fashion, the results lead to creating Institutional Effective Plan or IEPs for the campus and the college.     

Located in Academic Affairs, the online faculty-mentoring program is a part of the retention plan and quality assurance strategies for the Campus.  Attendees will receive information about the benefits and results of the initiative.  Aspects of academic, administrative, selection/hiring and technical components, and best practices and lessons learned after several implementation cycles will also be discussed. The presenters discuss the outcomes of the initiative, now at a more mature phase. Specifically, the session will be organized to address stakeholder needs (students, faculty, campus leadership, external accreditors), develop goals based on SWOT analysis and measurable outcomes, share short and long-term implementation strategies, present sample forms and observation criteria, discuss how to ensure buy-in and support, and share data. Links to external resources, platforms, and audio files will be embedded in the traditional presentation format. 

 Following the session, attendees will be empowered to utilize data to plan and implement a similar model within their institutions or campuses. Alignment to national quality standards and requirements for compliance in distance education is critical as the demand for online delivery continues to grow. TCC Connect Campus and Tarrant County College are pleased to share their experiences. 

Keywords: Coaching, Mentoring, LMS Support, Quality, Compliance