GUILDS AND THE ACADEMIC TRADITION

Modern Western academic tradition owes much of its origin to the same conditions from which trade and professional guilds developed in the Middle Ages.  The early evolutioin of both groups was so similar, in fact, that many of the terms and formal regalia of guilds and academia today are nearly identical.  Guilds developed as a way of ensuring the advancement of arts, crafts and trades as well as developing the skills of those who practiced them.  Some of the earliest secular colleges in Europe, in fact, are believed to be outgrowths of guilds of teachers.  It is highly appropriate, therefore, than an organization to promote teaching at NEOUCOM be organized as a guild.


MISSION STATEMENT

An academy dedicated to excellence in teaching at NEOUCOM.  Members will use their collective talents to enhance the educational programs throughout NEOUCOM, its affiliated hospitals and health departments and other community-based teaching sites.

The Guild will initiate and promote the professional development of a cadre of highly qualified teachers.

GOALS INCLUDE TO

• recognize and reward teaching excellence through membership at the Fellow and Master levels of the Guild;
  
  
• advocate for, facilitate and support educational innovation and effectiveness;
  
  
• advise NEOUCOM regarding the development, assessment and evaluation of pedagogical competencies which include, but are not limited to, the development and implementation of:

                a.    teaching standards;

                b.    assessment methods, tools, and processes;

                c.    curriculum materials;

                d.    mentoring programs;

                e.    evaluation methods, mechanisms and processes; and

                f.    scholarship in the field of medical pedagogy.

• mentor each other and other faculty interested in developing and refining pedagogical skills; and
  
  
• identify and promote effective, efficient and innovative teaching practices in a rapidly changing environment.