Caldwell, NJ – Caldwell University hosted a Teaching in Higher Education Conference on Thursday, June 4, 2026. The event featured breakout sessions with presenters from Caldwell University and other institutions and a keynote address by Dr. John Draeger, Professor of Philosophy at SUNY Buffalo State University.

The conference provided opportunities for attendees to network with their peers and share their knowledge of engaging students in innovative and unique ways. The theme of the conference, Agile Pedagogy, was woven throughout the breakout sessions. Agile pedagogy is an educational approach that emphasizes collaboration and adaptability over more rigid methods.

The keynote speaker, Dr. John Draeger, presented “Calibrating for Curiosity: Nine Ways to Nourish a Nimble Classroom”. Draeger’s address focused on the importance of curiosity in the classroom as the key to teaching strategies becoming more agile without sacrificing academic rigor.

This event was hosted by Ellina Chernobilsky, Ph. D., Vice President for Institutional Assessment, Strategic Planning, and Scholarship, and the Department of Academic Affairs. There were over 50 people in attendance, coming from Caldwell University, Montclair State University, Mount St, Mary’s College, Rutgers University, County College of Morris, Kinnelon High School and Passaic School District.