Podcast Points: Academy for Teaching and Learning Director Shares Insights on Serving Teachers

Toby Brooks, Ph.D., joined Baylor University in the fall as director of Baylor’s Academy for Teaching and Learning (ATL)  and clinical professor in the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation in Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. Since 2008, the ATL has supported faculty across campus, fostering a thriving community of learning while promoting the integration of teaching, scholarship and service in a Christian context. 

Brooks joined the weekly Baylor Connections podcast for a conversation about his journey from athletic training to higher education, supporting faculty and students through the ATL and his holistic approach to development. 

Podcast Points with Toby Brooks, Ph.D. 

Teaching as a Craft 

• Brooks argues that great teaching is not an innate ability but a learned and practiced skill. The ATL’s hands-on initiatives provide opportunities for faculty to learn and improve those skills. 
• “One of my first professors in grad school really helped me understand that good teaching is a craft, and you need to work on your craft just like you would anything else,” Brooks said. 

Unique Journey 

• Drawing on his experience as an athletic trainer, Brooks has a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological parallels between working with athletes and supporting faculty in times of transition. 
• Brooks discusses the importance of providing unconditional positive regard while creating a space where individuals feel valued regardless of the challenges they face. “It’s a way of communicating to my student or the professors I’m working with or the student-athlete that, ‘I’m here to support you. I am here to be with you every step of the way.’”

A Holistic Faith-Inspired Approach 

• Coming from a state university, Brooks understands that Baylor, as a Christian institution, is uniquely situated to promote the spiritual dimension of growth. 
• “The fact that [Baylor] is a Christian environment is even better. I’ve really built much of my work around Luke 2:52, ‘Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, favor with God and man.’ There’s a mental, a physical, a spiritual and a social piece to growth,” Brooks said.

LISTEN TO THE CONVERSATION 

Listen to the full conversation with Toby Brooks on the Baylor Connections podcast. 

ABOUT BAYLOR CONNECTIONS

Baylor Connections with host Derek Smith goes in depth each week with Baylor leaders, professors and more, discussing important topics in higher education, research and student life. Baylor Connections airs on Fridays at 11 a.m. on KWBU 103.3FM in Waco. The podcast also is available online or by subscribing to Baylor Connections on iTunes.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.