Faculty Development for a New Curriculum: Implementing a Strategy for Veterinary Teachers within the Wider University...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Education
• Faculty Development
• Curriculum Innovation

Background:

• Faculty development is crucial, especially during organizational and curricular changes in veterinary education.
• International attention is increasingly focused on enhancing teaching quality in veterinary schools.
• The University of Bristol Veterinary School initiated a faculty development strategy in 2012.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a faculty development strategy implemented at the University of Bristol Veterinary School.
• To provide accessible, contextual workshops for clinical and non-clinical staff involved in veterinary training.
• To equip staff with skills and support for high-quality teaching within a modern curriculum.

Main Methods:

• A faculty development strategy was designed and implemented in parallel with a new curriculum.
• Workshops were developed for clinical and non-clinical staff.
• The strategy was integrated into the Continuing Professional Development scheme in 2014.

Main Results:

• Accessible and contextual faculty development workshops were delivered.
• Staff received training to enhance their teaching skills for a new curriculum.
• The workshops became part of the formal Continuing Professional Development scheme, 'Cultivating Research and Teaching Excellence.'

Conclusions:

• The faculty development strategy successfully equipped staff with skills for high-quality teaching.
• The integration into a CPD scheme provided a structured route for professional recognition.
• The initiative supports ongoing professional development for veterinary educators.