This workshop, led by experienced instructors, will provide participants with useful insight as they prepare to teach a college level ecology course. Whether participants plan to teach upper or lower division, an introductory ecology or a specific course, they will leave this workshop with a framework for success in their own classroom. During the workshop participants will work interactively with each other to do the following: (1) Discuss the purpose and content of a basic syllabus (2) Compare and contrast different syllabuses and their potential efficacy (3) Develop learning objectives for their course. (4) Consider assessment options to determine if these objectives are met (5) Decide what course format best matches their personal teaching philosophy (6) Prepare for the transition from Teaching Assistant to Instructor Of Record (7) Prepare to approach teaching scientifically as participants build on their experiences. This workshop is open to anyone, regardless of teaching experience and background. We will use a hands-on approach to think critically about our classrooms by individually answering guiding questions, then sharing and compiling our answers. This interactive approach will allow participants to learn from one another as they share perspectives and ideas. The goal of this workshop is to provide participants with useful, practical tools to teach in diverse classrooms. We want each person to leave this workshop with concrete strategies as they begin (or return to) teaching ecology. Lunch will not be served, bring your own lunch!