Mission
The Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning provides resources for faculty on high-impact pedagogies and learning technologies, and support for assessment of teaching and student learning.
Goals
- To promote excellence in teaching and learning through cutting-edge technologies and high-impact pedagogies
- To support and retain new faculty across the disciplines; to challenge and engage experienced faculty in the scholarship of teaching
- To actively contribute to campus-wide efforts to increase student retention, persistence, and success
- To promote and sustain lean and effective processes for assessment of student learning
- To strengthen the reputation of Daemen as a leading institution for excellence in teaching and learning technologies
The CETL Team
Phone: 716.566.7870
Email
Biography
Dr. Michael Berta holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY, a Master of Arts degree in eEducation, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Curriculum and Instruction from University of Phoenix. He has taught in higher education, non-profit, and corporate environments leading several large programs and initiatives. In 2011, Dr. Berta joined Daemen College as the Title III Instructional Designer/Director of the Experimental Classroom and was later named as Director of Educational Development supporting faculty with professional development, instructional design, instructional technology, distance education, and pedagogical development to advance teaching and learning at the college. Since 2017, Mike serves as the Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning offering leadership to the manifold programs, initiatives, and services that CETL provides for faculty. Dr. Berta is active in in the community particularly in youth leadership development.
Phone: 716.566.7878
Email
Biography
Dr. Hella Jacob holds a Master of Arts degree in English from Regensburg University (Germany) and a Ph.D. in German Literature and Language from the University at Buffalo. She has taught German at different colleges, including for many years at UB. In addition to her background in teaching, she has several years of experience as a membership professional in the nonprofit sector. In 2014, Hella came to Daemen as a project assistant under Daemen’s Title III grant, supporting the various events and programs that the CETL sponsors. Since 2017, Hella also coordinates the annual institutional assessment process, while continuing to serve as office manager for the CETL.
Phone: 716.839.8532
Email
Daniel Gilbert holds a B.S. in Health and Wellness from Buffalo State College. In the fall of 2017, he transferred to Daemen where he is a junior status physical therapy major. At the same time, he began working as a student assistant in the CETL office. He has volunteered with the American Red Cross, worked at a home health care agency, and shadowed private practices where he witnessed the unique bond between patients and physical therapists. Getting involved gave him a sense of belonging and satisfied his empathic nature. After graduating, Daniel plans to return home and practice in New York City, helping patients improve their quality of life.