Trailblazing Education!

Dust off your boots, slap on a hat and prepare for Teaching in The Wild West, the CTLE Spring 2025 Conference!

The cowboy way wasn’t just about riding horses and ropin’ cattle; it was about determination, grit, and never giving up. In academia, we face similar challenges. We stumble, we fall, and sometimes, the road gets rough. But just like a cowboy who knows the importance of a good saddle and a reliable horse, we have our own tools: our ideas, our research, and our community of colleagues, to help us keep moving forward.

This Spring’s roundup is so exciting that sparks will surely fly from your spurs! However, we are still looking for a few more presenters. Below are ideas of what we are looking for:

From Lost Trails to New Trails – In the Wild West, every cowboy faced setbacks: lost cattle, broken wagons, or wrong turns on the trail. But true pioneers didn’t give up; they adapted, learned, and kept riding forward. Share examples of turning tragedy into triumph.

Law & Order – A good sheriff keeps the peace while still being fair. Discuss techniques for de-escalating tense situations, encouraging constructive discussions, and creating a classroom culture where every student feels heard.

Grit, Guts & Glory – Life on the frontier wasn’t easy; only those with true grit survived the dust storms, long trails, and unexpected challenges. Share strategies that encourage students to embrace challenges, learn from failure, and push forward when the trail gets tough.

Strike it rich – Just like the gold rush prospectors of the Wild West, students learn best when they’re fueled by curiosity and the thrill of discovery. Cover strategies for designing engaging lessons, fostering intrinsic motivation, and making learning an adventure rather than a chore.

Blazing New Trails – The pioneers of the Wild West didn’t stick to the beaten path—they forged new trails, took risks, and discovered better ways to navigate the frontier. Presenters will discuss trying something new and blazing a trail toward more dynamic teaching!
Building the One-Room Schoolhouse – Back in the days of the Wild West, one-room schoolhouse teachers had to juggle students of all ages and skill levels. Share strategies for managing mixed-skill classrooms, differentiating instruction, and ensuring that every student, whether a greenhorn or a returning trailblazer, finds success.
The Good, the Bad and the Grade – In the lawless frontier of higher education, assessments can feel like a high-stakes duel. What are low-stakes but effective methods to assess learning?
Wagon trains – Out on the frontier, no cowboy or pioneer rode the trail alone; survival depended on trust, cooperation, and a strong sense of community. Share strategies for the first day of class to the final roundup, on cultivating a classroom where every student feels like a valued member of the posse.
The Saloon Salute! – In the days of the Wild West, the saloon was the center of it all; the place where cowboys, farmers and travelers came to swap stories, share tips, and enjoy some entertainment. Share strategies and/or resources that highlight the value of storytelling that push the boundaries of your teaching.

To be a presenter for the CTLE in April, complete our CTLE Future Presenter form.