At IUP, there are two main categories of Teaching Circles: Cross-Disciplinary and Department.

A Cross-Disciplinary Teaching Circle (CTC) draws on the varied knowledge, methodology, and pedagogy of colleagues across campus to relieve isolation and accomplish goals personally important to its members.

A Department Teaching Circle (DTC) is usually formed around areas of pedagogical interest within a discipline. A DTC might be a group of instructors teaching different sections of the same course. This offers a natural opportunity to conduct classroom research that can improve learning in the course as well as lead to scholarly publications and presentations.

Either type of Teaching Circle might have a peer-mentor. This peer-mentor acts as the group expert and provides the voice of experience or guides the group as it works on the goals they have selected.