Bethlehem University proudly announces the successful completion of the first semester of its Professional Development Program, spearheaded by the Academic Innovation Hub (AIH) under the AVP Office. This 14-week program, grounded in the University’s commitment to academic excellence and student-centered learning, represents a milestone in the ongoing implementation of Bethlehem University’s Transformative Educational Model.
Led by AIH Co-Directors Ms. Paola Handal and Ms. Tina Hazboun, the program brought together faculty from every academic department to reflect on and reshape their teaching practices. Through a carefully designed curriculum, participants explored innovative pedagogical methods, curriculum redesign, inclusive assessment strategies, and the integration of digital tools—including the effective use of artificial intelligence in higher education.
Prof. Iman Saca, Vice President for Academic Affairs, stated that, “the successful completion of the first semester of the Professional Development Program is a proud achievement for Bethlehem University and a key milestone in advancing our Transformative Educational Model. Led by the Academic Innovation Hub under the AVP Office, this initiative reflects our deep commitment to fostering innovative, student-centered teaching across all faculties. I thank the AIH team and participating faculty for their dedication and collaborative spirit. This program lays a strong foundation for continued academic renewal and excellence at Bethlehem University.”
The program’s format encouraged interdisciplinary dialogue, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Participants engaged in workshops, group work and hands-on labs, that centered around the practical implementation of theory into classroom practices, aligning with global trends in higher education.
Faculty across diverse departments praised the professional development program for its clarity, relevance, and practical value. Participants consistently rated the sessions highly, with many awarding perfect scores across key areas such as facilitator preparedness, topic relevance, and overall experience. Feedback highlighted the engaging and interactive nature of the workshops, the applicability of AI tools to their teaching fields, and the quality of real-world examples provided. The hands-on sessions were especially appreciated for making complex concepts tangible. Further, feedback echoed the widespread appreciation for the facilitators expertise and delivery. The overwhelmingly positive feedback reflects a successful initiative in empowering faculty with innovative, practical skills for the evolving educational landscape.
As Bethlehem University continues to expand its capacity for innovative, high-impact teaching, the Academic Innovation Hub stands as a beacon for professional growth and academic renewal. The completion of this semester marks not an end, but a beginning—laying the groundwork for future workshops and expanded initiatives that further the University’s mission of developing ethical, compassionate, and skilled leaders for Palestine and beyond.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the AIH team and all faculty participants and collaborators who made this program possible. Together, we continue to build a learning environment where students thrive, faculty lead with innovation, and education serves as a catalyst for societal change.
