Teaching & Learning Center
The Teaching & Learning Center at John Jay College of Criminal Justice is dedicated to recognizing excellence in teaching and learning, supporting social justice and equity in public urban higher education, and to providing mentoring, resources, and opportunities that enable faculty, staff, and students to engage with and enhance teaching and learning.
Spoken Word, Bespoke Music is the culmination of an innovative class sponsored by the Teaching and Learning Center. It was designed and taught by spoken word poet Dr. Crystal Endsley (2016 and 2021 Distinguished Teaching Prize winner) and NY-Emmy award-winning composer Joseph Neidorf. John Jay Honors students Rae Ross (Forensic Psychology) and Brian Wade (Law and Anthropological Psychology) used the creative process as a research method to investigate the multilayered impacts of art as a form of resistance. Their poems are influenced by the interviews they conducted, published literature they found and their lived experiences. Throughout the writing process, they developed original music to accompany their poems, which will intricately inform listeners’ experiences. Special thanks to Dr. Gina Foster (director of the Teaching and Learning Center), who provided the educational vision and tireless advocacy that made this endeavor possible.
Teaching Resources
Teaching Resources
Find teaching resources for
Social Justice
Find information and guidance on
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Visit our Events & Opportunities posts for event information, workshop and seminar opportunities, and funded and volunteer projects related to teaching, learning, and mentoring.
Faculty Development Day is traditionally a time for John Jay faculty to connect and share their plans and experiences.
In late August and January, faculty reconnect at this semiannual conference to share insights and questions related to teaching and learning, research, and community concerns.
Visit our Faculty Development Day website to find event information and past session resources.
Each year, the John Jay college community nominates instructors for the Distinguished Teaching Prize. The prize represents excellence demonstrated through student-centered teaching, improvement in teaching methods, innovative pedagogies, and deep knowledge of teaching and learning principles and practices that transform student lives.
This site brings together the community of prize winners and nominees, nearly 350 in all, with history, highlights, and opportunities to share and celebrate the instruction these remarkable faculty offer their students and peers.
We invite you to listen to the winner podcasts, view recordings of presentations and workshops, and read about Distinguished Teaching projects and resources. For those who are part of this community, we will be posting news and opportunities to expand your connections and support your teaching.
John Jay College's Open Learning Initiative lifts equitable and academic outcomes through student-driven pedagogies supported by Open Educational Resources (OER).
Visit this site to find learn about OER and Open Pedagogy, OER models, course and assignment conversation opportunities, and Creative Commons licensing information.
Teaching & Learning Center (TLC) Team
Gina Rae Foster, PhD, Director
- Office: 335 Haaren Hall
- Email: gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu
- Philosophy, Art, and Critical Thought, PhD. (European Graduate School, 2011)
- Creative Writing & Poetry, M.F.A. (University of Oregon, 1999)
- Religion, M.A. (Vanderbilt, 1995)
Kharry Josiah, Administrative Assistant
- Office: 335 Haaren Hall
- Email: kjosiah@jjay.cuny.edu
- Forensic Psychology, B. A., (John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 2023)
- Forensic Mental Health Counseling, M.A. (John Jay College of Criminal Justice, anticipated 2026)
Atharva Orpe, Financial Consultant
- Email: aorpe@jjay.cuny.edu
- Finance, M.A. (2025, Baruch College)