Graduate and Postdoc Teaching Fellows

Please note: this program will not be offered in 2022

Program Description

The Sheridan Center Graduate and Postdoc Teaching Fellows Program is a small, interdisciplinary, cohort-based learning community that provides graduate students and postdocs with the opportunity to develop their teaching skills by researching, developing, and presenting a small, teaching-focused research project. The program is designed for graduate students and postdocs who wish to take a closer look at the scholarship of teaching and learning and its cross-disciplinary applications. Participants will strengthen their understanding of evidence-based teaching practices by exploring the scholarship of their chosen teaching topic and conducting research.

Sheridan Graduate and Postdoc Teaching Fellows receive a $250 award for successfully completing the program.

The GPTF program is designed as a small, intensive learning community. As such, enrollment is limited and application-based. Criteria for selection will include:

  • Ability to complete all requirements below--including session attendance  
  • Statement of interest (300-word max)

Questions about the program may be directed to: [email protected]

Please note: The Fellows program is not a transcripted Certificate program. For Sheridan Certificates, see https://www.brown.edu/sheridan/programs-services/certificates.

Learning Objectives

Participants will . . .

  • Explore the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) on a variety of topics
  • Collaborate across disciplines to deepen knowledge of evidence-based practices 
  • Propose and conduct a small, teaching-focused research project
  • Disseminate research findings to the Brown community
  • Gain facility with the field of Educational Development

Program Sessions

Note: All sessions are held on Wednesdays, 3-5 pm at the Sheridan Center

  • Session 1: Introduction to Educational Development Theory & Practice
  • Session 2: Exploring the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (SoTL) 
  • Session 3: Data Collection 
  • Small group meetings
  • Session 4: Projects-in-Process
  • Session 5: Peer Feedback
  •  Teaching Showcase

Program Pre-Requisite

  • Completion of the Sheridan Reflective Teaching Seminar (Certificate I)

Program Requirements

  • Full attendance at all sessions, May showcase, and a small group meeting*
  • Completion of a group or individual research project
  • Participation in/presentation of work in teaching showcase

*Please note that since the program is a very small learning community, make-up sessions are not possible. Participants may miss one--and only one--session (excluding session 1 and the showcase). Those who miss sessions 2-5 are responsible for catching up on the material outside of class. Participants who miss session 1 OR more than one session are ineligible to continue in the program or receive funds. We regret that we are unable to offer exceptions.

Note: This program will not be offered in 2022.