Faculty Development Groups

Facilitated by Chico Knight (Behavioral Sciences)

The Teaching to The Room FDG will provide an opportunity for new and seasoned college instructors, lecturers and professors to learn teaching strategies that are student centered and allows a positive, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.  By centering active learning and culture,  this FIG will discuss the benefits and challenges of using active learning pedagogical strategies that includes the students’ cultural background and interests. 

This workshop will also include the effective use of online technology such as AI tools and social media as instructional tools. 

Learning Goals/Outcomes:

FDG members will

- reflect on their own learning and the pedagogical strategies they use in their classrooms.

- evaluate pedagogical strategies and responses to teaching diverse groups.

- learn adaptive strategies of instruction that creates culturally inclusive classroom environments regardless of the area of instruction.

Download Teaching to The Room (Faculty Learning Community) PDF

About the facilitator Dr. Chico Reynard Knight

Dr. Chico Reynard Knight is a seasoned educator, researcher, and curriculum specialist with over two decades of diverse experience across secondary, higher education, and professional training sectors. He earned his Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College at Columbia University, where his research centered on intersectionality and the lived experiences of marginalized groups in educational spaces, particularly "Quare" males at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

With advanced degrees in education, environmental protection, and chemistry, Dr. Knight's interdisciplinary expertise bridges the sciences, social justice, and culturally relevant pedagogy. He has held faculty positions at institutions such as Kingsborough Community College, Teachers College, and Hunter College, where he has developed and taught courses on culturally responsive education, curriculum development, and science. His dedication to inclusive education extends to secondary education, where he has designed curricula that incorporate multimodal strategies to engage diverse learners.

Dr. Knight's research interests include critical race theory, queer of color critique, restorative practices, and teacher preparation for inclusive education. A retired U.S. Coast Guard officer, he also brings extensive experience in environmental response training and crisis management, enriching his educational practice with real-world insights.

Committed to mentorship and professional development, Dr. Knight is a sought-after instructional coach and an advocate for equity in education. His work continues to inspire transformative practices in both classroom settings and academic research.

For more information or to join our group please contact Chico (chico.knight@kbcc.cuny.edu)