Contributed by Teaching & Learning Excellence Division

Austin Community College (ACC) welcomed faculty and staff to a new semester with Spring Development Day (SDD) 2026, a collegewide professional development event focused on growth, connection, and skill-building.

Game On: About Spring Development Day 2026

Held on Friday, January 16, the theme, “Level Up Your Work,” built on the Faculty Growth Series (FGS) and extended the Connected Classroom concepts introduced during Mini Development Day last semester. The day began with an opening session joined by more than 270 participants, led by Dr. Theresa Glenn and Dr. LaKisha Barrett, who shared the vision behind FGS, a professional learning pathway designed to support meaningful and sustainable faculty growth. As Dr. Barrett noted, “whatever journey you choose, we’re going to ensure you level up.” The series offers three levels—Explorer, Innovator, and Mentor—allowing participants to build skills, deepen engagement, and advance at their own pace.

The keynote presentation, The Real Faculty of ACC!, continued this focus through a faculty panel discussion featuring Nagham Awadallah, Jaime Cantu, Jennifer “Houli” Houlihan, John Nation, and Maria Ruelas, moderated by Dr. Glenn. Panelists explored the three FGS strands—Belonging, Purpose, and Connection; Universal Design for Learning and Accessibility; and Artificial Intelligence Literacy and Fluency—sharing practical strategies for inclusive, student-centered teaching. Emphasizing accessibility, panelist Jaime Cantu noted, “accessibility is for all,” while an attendee reflected, “I took away some great ideas to implement right away!”

A concluding session with 195 attendees wrapped up the day with reflections and a raffle of four books while highlighting key takeaways from FGSs and the day’s learning.

Learning at Every Level

SDD 2026 drew 548 registrants and featured 31 sessions spanning instructional innovation, student support, leadership development, accessibility, and workplace effectiveness. Sessions for SDD 2026 were organized across four core tracks, including the three FGS strands:

  • Artificial Intelligence: Applications, ethics, and innovations shaping teaching, learning, and professional practice.
  • Universal Design for Learning: Flexible, inclusive, and accessible approaches that support diverse learners.
  • Belonging, Purpose, and Connection: Strategies that build authentic community and engagement across ACC.
  • Staff Professional Growth: Leadership development, wellness, team dynamics, and career growth.

These tracks helped participants tailor their SDD experience to their interests and roles while encouraging cross-functional learning.

Replay Hub: Watch SDD 2026 Sessions on Panopto

Recordings of SDD 2026 sessions are now available on Panopto, allowing faculty and staff to revisit sessions or explore presentations they were unable to attend live. Select supplemental slides and handouts are available for viewing here. Note: You must log in to Panopto using your ACC credentials to view recordings.

SDD 2026 Sessions Available for Viewing:

Multiplayer Mode: Connecting Beyond the Sessions

In addition to a full day of learning, SDD 2026 emphasized community and connection. The Spring Development Day Employee Mixer, held the evening before SDD, brought employees together in an informal, welcoming setting.

The mixer took place at the ACC Highland Campus. Due to popular demand, the baked potato bar returned, alongside creative art activities hosted by Office of Faculty Development Manager Chelsea Biggerstaff. Sponsored by the Teaching and Learning Excellence Division’s Office of Faculty Development, the Office of Belonging and Purpose, and the Faculty Center for Learning Innovation, in collaboration with ACC’s Joyful Ambassadors, the event offered space to unwind, connect, and build relationships ahead of the day’s programming.

The Next Stage: Continuing the Journey

While SDD 2026 has concluded, the learning continues. Faculty and staff are encouraged to apply new strategies and revisit session recordings. Slides from the morning presentation, including details about FGS and how to get started, are available here.

Thank you to everyone who participated, presented, and helped make Spring Development Day 2026 a meaningful and energizing experience. ACC’s commitment to learning, innovation, and belonging continues throughout the year.