Notre Dame Inclusive Teaching Academy

“I have attended individual sessions at teaching conferences focused on inclusive teaching, and the sessions put on at NDITA were by far the best that I have attended.”

—2023 NDITA Participant

2025 Notre Dame Inclusive Teaching Academy (NDITA)

Theme: (Re)Designing for Inclusion, Equity, and Justice: Making Learning More Accessible

When: June 2–6, 2025
Where: The Palmer House Hotel (17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603)
Cost: Registration, lodging, and meals (breakfast and lunch) covered; travel assistance may be available upon request.
Hosted By: Notre Dame Learning’s Kaneb Center for Teaching Excellence

Applications for the 2025 NDITA have now closed.

• Introduction to NDITA
• Keynote Sessions
• Conference Structure and Themes by Day
• Who Should Attend?

Introduction to NDITA

The Notre Dame Inclusive Teaching Academy (NDITA) provides robust, intensive training in support of the transformation of faculty teaching. Learn about, reflect on, and apply principles of inclusive pedagogy alongside colleagues from across the country as you redesign course materials and prepare to lead evidence-based teaching efforts in your department and on campus. As a participant in the Notre Dame Inclusive Teaching Academy, you will:

• Learn and apply strategies to support student learning and development such that every student in your class has the opportunity to succeed.
• Learn from experts in inclusive course and assignment design, trauma-informed teaching, and more.
• Spend focused time designing a course and creating course materials using inclusive teaching principles.
• Prepare to take a leadership role in inclusive teaching efforts in your home department or institution.
• Form and learn from a network of like-minded colleagues.

Recap of the 2024 NDITA

Designed for Learning Podcast Episode About NDITA

Keynote Sessions

The 2025 NDITA will feature two interactive keynote sessions led by leaders in the field of inclusive pedagogy.

Access Friction: What Can We Learn From Situations in Which Access Needs Differ and Conflict?

Sarah Silverman, Independent Faculty Developer and Instructor of Disability Studies

Description: Even instructors who are very committed to inclusive teaching experience friction in their practice: One student is highly sensitive to the volume of amplified sound while another is hard of hearing. An instructor communicates most effectively in writing while a student is dyslexic and prefers a face-to-face conversation. During this interactive keynote, participants will explore the idea that inclusive teaching is not only about implementing specific inclusive strategies, but also about navigating complex learning situations in which there are multiple competing needs. Participants will begin by defining “access friction,” a term derived from the disability community that describes situations in which there are two or more competing access needs. Then, examples of access friction from participants’ own contexts will be shared and analyzed. Lastly, participants will use the concept of access friction to consider how to talk about inclusive and accessible teaching with students and colleagues. Instead of assuming that we can easily “include all students” with a few simple strategies, we expect and constructively engage with the friction that is part of our inclusive teaching journey.

Cultivating Learning Sanctuaries: Theory and Practice

Mays Imad, Associate Professor of Biology, Connecticut College

Description: This interactive workshop will explore the transformative potential of “learning sanctuaries”—spaces that nurture resilience, foster connection, and empower learners to thrive despite adversity. Rooted in the principles of systemic and relational resilience, the session will blend theory with practical strategies for creating environments that inspire students to “bounce forward” from challenges. Drawing on insights from neuroscience, trauma-informed practices, and the relational nature of learning, participants will engage in activities that illustrate how to design classrooms as sanctuaries of growth, collaboration, and well-being. We will examine how intentional course design, emotional attunement, and community building can transform education into a radical act of hope and empowerment.

Conference Structure and Themes by Day

The immersive program consists of invited talks by leaders in the field, workshops with skilled facilitators, and time for hands-on work, peer feedback, reflection, and connection with colleagues.

Day 1: Principles of Inclusive Teaching

• Self-reflection
• Frameworks for inclusive teaching
• Backward design
• Learning goals
• Syllabi

Day 2: Inclusive Learning Experiences & Environments

• Transparent assignments
• Active learning
• Assessment for learning
• Community and belonging
• Co-creation

Day 3: Inclusive Teaching in Your Discipline

• Using AI to promote accessible learning
• Facilitating classroom discussions
• Disciplinary norms
• Authentic assessment

Day 4: Inclusive Teaching on Your Campus

• Campus and departmental culture
• Advocating for evidence-based teaching practices

Who Should Attend?

Designed for faculty members in any academic discipline who are committed to teaching inclusively and supporting student learning and development, NDITA is open to individuals from both Notre Dame and other institutions.

Applications for the 2025 NDITA have now closed.