Our Purpose
The Teaching Academy of the Consortium of West Region Colleges of Veterinary Medicine is a collaborative consortium of institutions committed to advancing excellence in veterinary and biomedical education. Our mission is to develop, implement, and sustain best practices in teaching, scholarship, and educational leadership across the western United States
History
In 2011, the deans of five western veterinary colleges came together to explore ways their institutions could collaborate on shared educational priorities. One of the first and most impactful outcomes of that conversation was the establishment of the Regional Teaching Academy as a primary initiative of the newly formed Consortium of West Region Colleges of Veterinary Medicine.
Since its inception, the Academy has grown significantly. Today, it includes educators from all participating institutions and fosters cross-institutional collaboration, professional development, and a vibrant educational community committed to Making Teaching Matter.
Our Mission
The RTA supports its Fellows by:
- Encouraging collaboration and shared innovation across member institutions
- Recognizing and advancing teaching excellence
- Building capacity for educational scholarship
- Supporting faculty development at all career stages
Through these efforts, we aim to elevate the status of educational practice within veterinary and biomedical colleges and ensure that educators are positioned for success within their institutions and the profession at large.
Who We Are
The RTA brings together faculty, educators, and academic leaders from veterinary and biomedical institutions. Fellows come from diverse disciplinary backgrounds and represent various career stages, from emerging educators to seasoned teaching scholars. Together, we engage in transformative work that strengthens teaching and supports student success across the region.
Governance & Structure
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee provides leadership, strategic direction, and oversight for the Academy. Representatives from each institution work collaboratively to ensure that RTA activities align with member needs and priorities.
Bylaws
Our bylaws define the organizational structure, membership expectations, and operational guidelines that guide the Academy’s work.
Our Key Programs
External Peer Review of Teaching (EPRT)
The EPRT supports educators preparing for promotion by providing confidential, high-quality peer review of teaching portfolios. Participants receive feedback aligned with national standards and a letter suitable for promotion dossiers.
VETS Faculty Development Workshops
Interactive workshops that support educators in applying evidence-based teaching strategies. Topics include course design, engagement, peer observation, and supporting new faculty.
Sharing Educational Materials
This initiative helps faculty access and share high-quality teaching resources across institutions—promoting collaboration and reducing duplication of effort.
Biennial Summer Conference
Held every two years, this event brings together educators from across the region to share innovations, research, and best practices in veterinary and biomedical teaching.
Faculty Development Subcommittees
Focused groups working on key teaching topics including student assessment, educator well-being, clinical teaching, and fundamentals of teaching.
Executive Reports
Our executive reports document the Academy’s activities, accomplishments, and growth each year. These reports provide insight into our collective impact and the progress of member-driven initiatives.