Together We Teach - How It Works

How It Works

Together We Teach partners instructors with older adults—called Instructional Partners (IPs)—to bring lived experience into the classroom in intentional, meaningful ways. IPs collaborate with faculty to strengthen student learning, support engagement, and broaden perspectives.

Together We Teach is currently a pilot program, and participation opportunities will expand as the initiative grows.

What Participation Can Look Like

Instructors can collaborate with Instructional Partners in a variety of ways, including:

• Course content: adding real-world context, examples, or perspectives
• In-class activities: discussion support, small-group facilitation, panels, or demonstrations
• Assignments: feedback on projects, interviews, reflection prompts, or applied learning activities

Participation is designed to be flexible and aligned with the needs of each course.

Roles & Responsibilities

Instructor
Instructors identify the course component they would like to enhance and work with the Together We Teach team to plan how Instructional Partners will be involved. Instructors remain responsible for course instruction and grading.

Instructional Partner (IP)
Instructional Partners are older adults and community members who share experiences and perspectives to support learning. IPs collaborate with faculty but do not enroll in the course as students.

Collaboration Partner
Collaboration Partners support course planning and idea development. They may help instructors refine goals, shape activities, and ensure the collaboration is meaningful and feasible.

Together We Teach Staff
Together We Teach staff coordinate the program, support communication, and provide logistical assistance so instructors and Instructional Partners can focus on the collaboration.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Identify an idea
   The instructor identifies a course element to enhance (content, activity, or assignment).
2. Attend a brainstorming workshop
   Instructors meet with Collaboration Partners to explore options and develop a plan. Workshops are held at least once per semester, and instructors may meet with Collaboration Partners more frequently if needed.
3. Finalize course details
   The instructor and partners confirm goals, expectations, and what participation will look like.
4. Submit course information to TWT staff
   Together We Teach staff collect finalized details five weeks before the start of the semester.
5. Instructional Partners sign up
   Course details are shared with community members so they can sign up as Instructional Partners.
6. Course collaboration begins
   The course runs with program support and a clear plan for participation.

Ready to Participate?

• Faculty: Submit your interest—fully developed ideas are not required.
  [Instructor Interest Form]
• Older Adults & Community Members: Sign up to serve as an Instructional Partner.
  [Community Member Interest Form]
• Explore upcoming opportunities on the Courses & Get Involved page.
  [View Courses]