Open Classroom Weeks
February 16 - 27, 2026
What Is Open Classroom Weeks?
Imagine strolling into a colleague's class — not as an evaluator, but as a learner. Open Classroom Weeks is your chance to do just that. It's a campus-wide invitation to:
- Observe innovative teaching practices across disciplines
- Explore fresh strategies for engagement, assessment, or learning environment
- Spark ideas you can adapt for your own courses
- Build relationships and cross-disciplinary insight
Think of it as "teaching by osmosis" — seeing what works, asking questions, and bringing back new energy to your own classroom. You'll leave with:
- Real examples of how others design activities, structure discussions, integrate tech
- Insights into how to shift student participation, assessment formats, or classroom layout
- A sense of what "good teaching in action" looks like at NIU
And at the end — the networking session gives us space to reflect, share impressions, and deepen connections.
How It Works
- Register for Sessions
Choose sessions you’re curious about. (Registration closes ~24 hours before each session.) - Go Observe (in person or virtually)
Bring curiosity, not critique. Sit in, take notes on what stands out. - Reflect and Connect
Join the networking session on March 3 from 2 - 3 PM (in-person + online) to share what you saw, ask questions, and plan next steps.
Schedule and Registration
Sign up early to reserve a spot in the classrooms you most want to visit! Confirmed session locations and links (for virtual sessions) will be distributed after registration.
We Saved a Space for You!
Open Classroom Weeks is an annual opportunity where outstanding faculty give the gift of sharing their practice with our NIU community.
If you would be willing to open your classroom to your colleagues in an upcoming semester, or if you have a colleague you would like to nominate, reach out to us at citl@niu.edu!
Sessions in Chronological Order
Monday, February 16 - Friday, February 20
- Anytime, Candice Hux (Asynchronous Online)
Monday, February 16
- 9:30 - 10:45 AM, Kimberly Gatz
- 11 AM - 12:15 PM, Nicole Clifton
Tuesday, February 17
- 9 AM - Noon, James Cohen
- 2 - 3:15 PM, Gibson Cima
Wednesday, February 18
- 11 AM - 12:15 PM, Nicole Clifton
- 12:30 - 1:45 PM, Kimberly Gatz
Monday, February 23 - Friday, February 27
- Anytime, Rana Jaber (Asynchronous Online)
Monday, February 23
- 10 - 10:50 AM, Jamie Mayer
- 11 AM - 12:15 PM, Kimberly Gatz
Tuesday, February 24
- 9 AM - Noon, James Cohen
Wednesday, February 25
- 10 - 10:50 AM, Jamie Mayer
- 11 AM - 12:15 PM, Nicole Clifton
Who Can Participate?
Participation is open to faculty of all classifications and ranks (tenure-track, instructional, clinical), graduate teaching assistants, as well as SPS and civil service staff.