Teaching in Two-Year Colleges
TYCA Seminar | 2025–2026
Facilitators: Sarah R. Fish, Collin College, and Kristen Weinzapfel, North Central Texas Colleg
The Two-Year College English Association invites members of NCTE and TYCA regional associations to participate in the first TYCA two-year college teaching seminar.
Overview
Participants will meet as a cohort throughout the academic year to engage in professional development activities and to explore strategies for teaching writing in open-access contexts. Meetings will take place on Zoom. Participants will receive online readings and independent learning activities to support teaching within their local contexts. At the end of the academic year, participants who complete seminar activities receive a certificate.
What Is a TYCA Seminar?
TYCA seminars are an opportunity for members to participate in professional development activities and to work with a cohort of peers over time. Cohort meetings will take place virtually. Participants will have access to learning materials and resources electronically.
Participant Eligibility
TYCA seminars are open to all members of NCTE and TYCA regional affiliates. The Teaching in Two-Year Colleges Seminar is designed for individuals who currently teach or who seek to teach at two-year colleges and at four-year access-oriented institutions. Faculty of all experience levels are welcome to participate, including graduate students, adjunct faculty, faculty changing institution type or context, and faculty who seek to learn more about teaching-intensive contexts.
What Types of Literacy Programs Are Included?
The seminar will focus on English studies programs that support student success and postsecondary literacy development at access-oriented institutions, including (but not limited to) first-year and sophomore-level writing, developmental education, reading, integrated reading and writing, corequisite support, online literacy, English language learning, second language writing, writing centers, and first-year experience.
Cost
The seminar is free for participants during the 2025 to 2026 academic year. In future years, there will likely be a fee to participate.
Application Deadline
Friday, September 19, 2025
Session Scheduling
Synchronous, online sessions will be held once a month from 1:00 PM-2:30 PM Central Time (90 minutes) on the following dates: October 31, November 21, December 12, February 27, March 20, April 17, and May 15.
Session Topics
Sessions emphasize merging theory and practice, especially in two-year college settings, as we consider important trends in Writing Studies: Equity-centered teaching, trauma-informed teaching, and online and hybrid teaching strategies. Participants will be guided to consider:
· How can we commit to student-centered writing instruction within federal, state, and institutional contexts?
· How do we establish manageable course expectations while respecting students’ rights to their own language and cultural literacies?
· How can we commit to access-oriented institutions without burning out?
Sessions will also support developing the portfolio requirement, focusing on how the portfolio components can support job market materials.
How to Apply for the Seminar
To apply for the seminar, please complete this brief online application form: https://forms.office.com/r/bQyv5sZZ4w
Contact Sarah R. Fish (sfish) or Kristen Weinzapfel (kweinzapfel) with any questions.