Investing in Us offers a professional development program at no cost to East Texas A&M University faculty and staff through a series of credit-bearing, academic, master classes. The program promotes a supportive environment for employees seeking to learn, grow, and thrive in their careers. Investing in Us seeks to invest the university’s significant and relevant academic knowledge and experiences into its faculty and staff, which will best position them to build on their strengths, talents, and skills and invest them back into serving students at East Texas A&M University.
Faculty and Staff may select up to one class per semester.
Whether you’re creating instructional materials for your courses, promotional materials for your department, or personal projects for yourself, Adobe Creative Cloud has the tools you need to express your ideas. This course offers a beginner-friendly introduction to several of the Adobe Creative Cloud platforms, including Express, Acrobat, Premiere Pro, and more.
Students who can think critically and self-reflect gain the confidence to become independent and inspired learners who thrive in their courses and future careers. This ACUE supported, online class guides instructors in empowering students to become learners for life. Completing this course is one step toward becoming certified in ACUE's Effective Teaching Practices Framework, endorsed by the American Council on Education (ACE). Or, you may take this class as a dynamic stand-alone learning experience!
This practical, movement-based course provides tools for moving beyond “work-life balance" to creating a life of harmony that includes meaningful rest, work, and play for the body and the mind. Every meeting will include a different type of movement tailored to the group’s preferences, practical tips you can use daily, and a weekly challenge. Enjoy this time of renewing your mind and body, putting down your phone, connecting with others, and (re)introducing meaningful movement and play into your week. Wear comfortable attire in which you can move, including athletic footwear. All fitness levels welcome!
US 497.01E Integrating AI & US
“Lion’s Leap into AI: Integrating AI into the East Texas Experience!” This course provides a practical introduction and fundamental knowledge about artificial intelligence, ethical considerations, and strategies for integrating AI tools into the classroom and work environments at East Texas A&M. Designed for the beginner, participants will learn how AI can personalize the learning environment, automate administrative tasks, and be used to enhance the teaching and learning experiences. Content will also focus on demystifying AI training, the challenges with designing/engineering prompts, and how AI is already operating in the world around us. Participants will gain new insights into how they can immediately apply their learning in their current positions as well as considerations for how and when AI is the right tool for the task at hand. Participants are asked to bring their laptops to class.
US 497.02E Student-Ready University & Us
How can a university implement strategies for valuing student assets and ensure every student is set up for success? This course is designed for staff and faculty to explore the Student-Ready University model, which emphasizes institutional adaptability to student needs rather than expecting students to fit a rigid mold. Participants will examine the history, philosophy, and guiding principles of this model, and more specifically what it means for East Texas A&M to be a student-ready university. While engaging in group discussions and identified work groups, we will continue to explore areas for action and develop strategies for future implementation. This course is both a learning experience and an opportunity to contribute to East Texas A&M’s transformation into a truly student-ready institution.
ALUM 397.01W Emotional Intelligence & Us
Emotional Intelligence (EI) plays a critical role in personal and professional success. Take your own EI assessments and learn the core components of EI (e.g., self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills) and how to apply them in real-world contexts. Develop practical strategies to enhance communication, manage stress, build stronger relationships, and lead more effectively. Whether in the workplace or everyday life, EI is a vital skill for navigating challenges and connecting meaningfully with others.
Register for the Fall 2025 semester and watch for upcoming classes!
Complete at least four Investing in Us classes at East Texas A&M University, serve as a model for continuous professional development and growth and receive an Investing in Us Campus Leader Designation with your name displayed on our website for all of our campus community to see!
Lisa Avrit, Kasey Britton, Chris Gage, Leah Kanaman, Brad Klypchak, Carrie Klypchak, Mo Reeves, Jaime Rodriguez, Belinda Rudinger, Joi Saville, Tracy Stewart, Catherine Giles, Ashlie Hight, Gavin Johnson, Ashanka Kumari, Virginia Monk, Denise Neill, Jamie Pfennig, Mark Rudin, Judy Sackfield, Kristen Segar, Rebecca Steward, Ancy Thomas, Renee Wallace, Pamela Webster
Special recognition is offered to the first three alumni and community members who completed at least four classes during the first two years of the Investing in Us program. Congratulations!
Teresa Bussell, Linda King, Elizabeth Rudin
For more information or any questions, please contact InvestingInUs@tamuc.edu
US 397.01E Emotional Intelligence & Us
US 497.01E Pedagogical Collaborative & Us
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