As we close out the fifth year of the Teaching for PROWESS (TfP) project, we can’t help but smile at how far we’ve come. What began as an idea to improve how math is taught at two-year colleges has blossomed into something much bigger—a supportive, growing community of educators committed to active learning, meaningful and sustainable change, and collaboration.
TfP is more than just a project. It’s become a network of people who are learning, sharing, and building something powerful together. Through hands-on experiences like Summer Institutes, site visits, reverse site visits, and tools like the Vision and Transformation Catalyst Toolkit (VTCT) and the Observation Protocol for Active Learning (OPAL), we’ve helped colleges strengthen their own departmental cultures and connect with others doing the same work.
Here’s a look at some of the key ways we’ve built community this year:
Summer Institutes: Where Community Begins
Our Summer Institutes are where the magic really starts. Back in 2022, we welcomed teams from six colleges (Phase 2)—faculty, department chairs, and more—to dive into active learning and start thinking deeply about how to create lasting departmental change. And just as important, they began forming bonds with each other.The workshops were facilitated by project leadership and members of our Phase 1 colleges.
Fast forward to summer 2024, and twelve more colleges (Phase 3) joined the experience, with many alumni from the first group returning—this time as presenters! It’s been amazing to see participants evolve into leaders and continue expanding our circle.
Site Visits: Seeing Community in Action
One of the most impactful aspects of the project was the series of site visits (an initial visit in the first year and a final visit in the third year). Small teams— composed of TfP researchers and a faculty member from a Phase 2 college—traveled to partner institutions to engage with their peers. These visits offered the faculty member of the team a hands-on introduction to educational research while also strengthening intercollegiate connections. Teams observed classroom practices, met with department members, and immersed themselves in the host college's academic culture. The experience proved to be deeply meaningful and enlightening—not only for the visitors but also for the colleges that welcomed them.
Reverse Site Visits: Learning by Immersion
We also flipped the script! In the second year, the six Phase 2 colleges and one college that attended the 2024 Summer Institute, had the chance to visit a Phase 1 college and observe active learning in full swing. The visiting teams had a chance to see a variety of ways to implement active learning by faculty with different personalities and styles as well as in a range of courses. Seeing how another team works together, supports one another, and brings active learning to life helps spark new ideas and fresh energy back home.
Vision and Transformation Catalyst Toolkit: A Guide for Growing Together
VTCT has played a huge role in helping departments work better together. This toolkit helps college teams reflect on where they are, where they want to go, and how to get there. It encourages conversations about agency, shared decision-making, and planning real action steps together—so everyone feels ownership and accountability. Every Phase 1 and Phase 2 college has used it, and Phase 3 teams are just getting started!
Observation Protocol for Active Learning: Looking Deeper into Our Classrooms
Our OPAL tool has helped teams observe classrooms as well as to provide a sense of characteristics of an active learning classroom. It shifts the focus to what’s really happening—Are students engaged? Are they thinking deeply? Are they talking to each other? These classroom visits have sparked important conversations and strengthened a culture of sharing, curiosity, and mutual support.
Final Thoughts
Year 5 was truly a milestone for Teaching for PROWESS. We’ve grown in numbers, depth, and connection—and most importantly, we’ve seen how powerful a community can be when it comes to transforming teaching and learning.
To everyone who’s been part of this journey, thank you. Your energy, insights, and dedication have made this work so meaningful. We’re excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to keep learning and growing with all of you.
Let’s keep the momentum going!