TEACHING Healthcare Educators How to Teach!
The Empirical Art and Design of
Healthcare Education
Focused on Didactic Teaching Strategies for Future Healthcare Providers
TEACH is a comprehensive certification program designed to enhance the skills and expertise of educators in the healthcare field. This program emphasizes the importance of effective didactic teaching methods, ensuring that instructors are well-equipped to prepare the next generation of healthcare providers.
LEVEL 1
TEACH Foundations
- This level is tailored for new educators across various healthcare disciplines. It focuses on developing core teaching skills essential for creating engaging and effective learning environments. Participants will explore key concepts in curriculum design, instructional methods, and student assessment, empowering them to lay a strong foundation for their teaching careers.
- Certification Requirement: To be certified in TEACH Foundations, all courses must be completed, all practice questions answered, and a final examination must be taken and passed.
LEVEL 2
TEACHÂ Mastery
- Designed for experienced healthcare educators, this level aims to enhance advanced instructional techniques. Participants will delve into innovative teaching strategies, collaborative learning environments, and the integration of technology in the classroom. This program emphasizes continuous improvement and leadership in education, preparing participants to make a significant impact in their fields.
- Certification Requirement: To receive certification in TEACH Mastery, participants must choose one of the following: submit a proposal of their intended project, create a video demonstrating what they accomplished, or provide a reflection on their experience.
Key Features
Asynchronous
Online Format
Access course materials and resources on your schedule, making it easy to balance your professional commitments with your education.
Engaging
Content
Learn from expert instructors and industry leaders through dynamic modules focused on real-world applications.
Comprehensive
Resources
Gain access to a wealth of materials, including articles, case studies, and best practice guides to support your teaching journey.
Community
of Educators
Connect with a network of like-minded professionals, sharing ideas and experiences that foster collaboration and growth.
Outline of our Programs
TEACH Foundations
Course Design
- Introducing TEACH
- Miller's Pyramid of Professional Competence
- Successfully Crafting a Course Syllabus
- Backward Course Design
- Foundations of Using Generative AI in Course Development
Presentation
- PowerPoint Design to Maximize Learning
- The Flipped Classroom
- Effective Methods of Teaching
- ACT: Active, Connected Teaching with Technology
Assessment
- Writing Test Questions
- The Power of Reflection
- Setting Up Exams for Success
TEACHÂ Mastery
Course Design
- Transparency in TeachingÂ
- Teaching Philosophy
Presentation
- Facilitating Active Learning
- The Power of a Problem
- Captivating Current Generation of Learners Through the Use of Instagram
- TEST: Tracking Educational Success with Technology
Assessment
- Professional ePortfolios:Â Assessing Student Competency
- Assessing Exam Efficacy to Evaluate Formative Assessment
- Integrating AI into Clinical Teaching: Advanced Assignments for Critical Thinking
Classroom culture
- Supporting and Motivating the Struggling Student
- Stress and the Impact on Student Learning and Success
Level 1
Detailed Course Information
1. Course Design Module - Open & Learn More
2. Presentation Module - Open & Learn More
3. Assessment Module - Open & Learn More
Level 2
Detailed Course Information
1. Course Design Module - Open & Learn More
2. Presentation Module - Open & Learn More
3. Assessment Module - Open & Learn More
4. Classroom Culture Module - Open & Learn More
Meet Your Course Facilitators
Julie Sutton, MS, RDH
Julie Sutton is an Associate Professor at the UMKC School of Dentistry in the Division of Dental Hygiene. She has more than ten years of teaching experience, enjoys didactic and clinical teaching, and the application of learning through engagement. She has completed courses through the Association for Colleges and University Educators for effective instruction and inclusive teaching, and she found tremendous impact in the sessions she attended through the Faculty Scholars Program at UMKC, as well as the sessions within the faculty learning community on accessible teaching. She believes in a Universal Design for teaching and learning. This contributed to her refining and reliance on her teaching philosophy in academia. Each learning opportunity can reflect philosophy and informs the learning culture. These can be the lasting impressions that result in teaching excellence. Professor Sutton is honored with many Distinguished Teaching Awards, and multiple lecturer of the year awards, and she served as the Faculty Fellow for Engaged Teaching and Learning to UMKC’s Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence. Her research interests include the scholarship of engagement in teaching and learning, access to care, social justice and humility in education which she is currently pursuing in a PhD in education. She also studies biologic sciences, epidemiology, and nicotine.
Michele Carr, RDH, MA, EdD
Michele Carr is faculty Emeritus and former Chair, Division of Dental Hygiene at The Ohio State University, College of Dentistry. She also served as the Director of Continuing Education at the College of Dentistry for three years while she was chair of her division. Along with her research interests in clinical practice and cultural diversity, Dr. Carr has dedicated much of her career to serving numerous years as both a CODA consultant and a CODA Dental Hygiene Review Committee member. Dr. Carr has been recognized nationally and locally serving on numerous professional committees such as the ADEA Council of Allied Dental Program Directors, ADEA Continuing Education Advisory Committee, ADHA Council on Policy and Bylaws, and Ohio Dental Hygienists’ Association Government Relations Committee. She has published over 20 articles in a variety of dental journals and serves as an Ask-the-Expert columnist for the journal Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. Michele is a member of the Ohio State Dental Board and serves as an examiner for CDCA-WREB-CITA. Additionally, Michele is an accreditation consultant for Educators Platform.
Patrick RendĂłn, MD
Dr. Patrick RendĂłn is an academic hospitalist physician and associate professor in internal medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine (UNM SOM). He grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico and attended UNM School of Medicine for his medical training. Dr. RendĂłn is the Assistant Dean for Phase I of the UNM SOM, Director of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, and gastrointestinal curricula in the first two years of medical school. He has been involved with faculty development for more than 10 years and has given hundreds of presentations on medical education topics. His passions are clinical reasoning, improving the quality of medical education for trainees, and teaching others to teach.
Vuvi Nguyen, MS, PhD
Dr. Nguyen is an Associate Professor in the Dept. of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences at the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry (UTSD). She received her PhD in Biomedical Sciences (concentration in Anatomy) from the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) in Ft. Worth. Dr. Nguyen teaches Head and Neck Anatomy, Neuroscience and Histology to first year dental and dental hygiene students. Her recent projects have included integration the use of Instagram to enhance anatomy learning and developing resources to promote student-centered collaborative learning in the classroom. At UTSD, Dr. Nguyen is a three-time recipient (2018, 2020, and 2024) of the John H. Freeman Award for Faculty Teaching.
Donna Wicker, RDH, MEd, EdD
Dr. Wicker practiced clinically as a dental hygienist for over 20 years before transitioning into higher education. During her graduate training she specialized in student learning and development and ways to promote and achieve higher level learning. She is now focused on effective educational and clinical practices and successful transition to professional practice. She has been a full-time educator for 14 years, continuing to learn and expand her knowledge to help students and educators be their best. Dr. Wicker is also a site visitor for the Commission on Dental Accreditation, and a member of the test construction team for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.
Kristel Montano, MD, MEd
Dr. Kristel Montano is a native New Mexican and a General Pediatrician. She completed both her undergraduate and medical degrees at UNM, followed by Pediatric Residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. She currently is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of General Pediatrics at UNM. Dr. Montano’s primary interest is in Medical Education and she holds a Masters of Medical Education which she completed during her early years as faculty. She is involved in all levels of medical education at UNM, most notably as Co-Director of Medical Educator courses for both medical students and faculty, in which she teaches about curriculum development and integration of technology into teaching.
Sheree Duff Sawka BSDH, MSA
Sheree received her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree from the University of Michigan (U of M) in 1980 and her Master of Science in Health Care Administration from Central Michigan University in 1991. Over her 45-year career, she has held various roles including clinical instructor, faculty member, dental hygiene Program Director, Associate Dean, and Dean of Dental programs in private, community, and university settings. She has taught extensively both in the classroom and clinical settings. Sheree is a former Consultant to the Joint Commission on Dental Accreditation, as well as, a current member of the American Dental Association, Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations, and Test Construction Committee where she sits on numerous committees responsible for writing, editing, and analyzing national board questions. Sheree works full-time at the University of Michigan, School of Dentistry teaching in the undergraduate dental hygiene program.
Cynthia C. Gadbury-Amyot, MS. Ed.D, FADHA
Dr. Amyot, Ed.D., has over 31 years of distinguished teaching and leadership experience at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Dentistry. She has served in key administrative roles, including Associate Dean of Instructional Technology and Faculty Development, Interim Vice Provost of Online Education, Director of the Division of Dental Hygiene, and Director of Graduate and Degree Completion Studies. Dr. Amyot’s teaching spans all levels of the curriculum—undergraduate, graduate, predoctoral, and doctoral. She has been widely recognized for her pedagogical excellence, receiving multiple distinguished teaching awards from the School of Dentistry and the university-wide Elmer Pierson Outstanding Teaching Award. Her leadership extends to curriculum innovation, where she has developed impactful online education strategies.
Leah MacPherson RDH, BS MHP
Leah MacPherson holds an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of New England, an Advanced Dental Hygiene Certificate from the Forsyth School for Dental Hygienists, and a Master's Degree from Northeastern University. She currently serves as a Professor at Middlesex Community College. Leah is the recipient of the National Teaching and Leadership Excellence Award and the Course of Distinction Award for Periodontology. She has experience in general, periodontal, periodontal research, and public health settings. She has also presented at many local, national, and international meetings. Leah is known as a passionate, relatable, and dynamic speaker.
Ashley Hobbs MS, BSDH, RDH, ECP IIÂ
Ashley Hobbs has emerged as a leading voice in the integration of artificial intelligence in dental hygiene education. She was instrumental in organizing and facilitating ADAPT: Adapting and Thriving Within a Modern Dental Education Landscape—a three-day international AI conference for dental educators. The event brought together professionals from around the world to explore innovative strategies for leveraging AI in curriculum design and instructional delivery. Since then, Ashley has led two mastermind sessions focused on the practical application of AI in course development, assessment, and student engagement. She will continue this work in May 2025 with another mastermind session highlighting current advancements in generative AI and its growing impact on dental and allied health education.
David R Reeves DMD, MS, BS
Dr. Reeves is an experienced educator and periodontist with a career spanning over nearly three decades. With a deep passion for advancing dental education. Dr. Reeves has taught in a variety of advanced educational programs, including general dentistry, periodontal residency, and dental hygiene education. Throughout his teaching journey, he has worked with students at various levels, helping shape the next generation of dental professionals.
As a dedicated instructor, Dr. Reeves has embraced innovative teaching tools, including the use of PowerPoint to maximize engaging learning environments. He has also leveraged the power of the research through AI to assess and enhance student performance in dental hygiene programs, ensuring that students retain the maximum amount of knowledge at both the formative and summative assessment levels. Through his teaching of many of the core courses in dental hygiene his students scored in the 95th percentile on National Board Exams last year.
In addition to his educational career, Dr. Reeves is a retired Colonel from the U.S. Army Dental Corps, is a licensed periodontist, with a focus on providing comprehensive periodontal care. He owned a private practice for nearly a decade before returning to his passion of teaching at both the Dental Hygiene and Advanced Educational Program for Dentistry level. His background in both teaching and clinical practice allows him to offer students and colleagues a unique perspective that blends theory with hands-on experience.
Registration is OPEN
Attendance from multiple instructors per institution is recommended for maximum program benefit!
In addition, classroom teaching methodology is required for accreditation, this is the perfect way for your program to meet this requirement.Â
If you would like to enroll multiple faculty, please send us an email at [email protected]Â for a discounted rate
About Educators Platform
Founded in 2020, Educators Platform is a leading organization dedicated to supporting educators in higher education. Research consistently indicates that high-quality educators play a crucial role in producing competent healthcare providers. When educators are equipped with effective teaching strategies, they create an environment that fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Moreover, the principles of setting up a successful course are transferable across all disciplines, enhancing the educational experience for both educators and students.
Many healthcare educators lack formal training in educational methodology and effective teaching practices. Our goal is to empower these educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to enhance their teaching effectiveness and positively impact student learning outcomes.
At Educators Platform, we are proud to offer a wide array of high-value content facilitated by top educators from a variety of healthcare disciplines. Through exceptional offerings, we connect educators, enabling them to share insights and elevate one another. By investing in the professional development of educators, we contribute to the overall quality of education, understanding that those who teach play a vital role in shaping the future of top-level healthcare providers.
Join us in our mission to empower educators, ensure best practices in teaching, and ultimately enhance the standards of education within our community.
