Learn about the Future Faculty Program
The Future Faculty Program helps graduate students develop and document their teaching skills in preparation for a faculty career. Participants in this program learn the principles of effective course design and pedagogy through our seminars, receive feedback on their teaching through observations, and apply what they have learned in completing a course design project as well as an individualized project of their choosing.
What will I gain from completing the program?
In addition to the intellectual benefits of completing the program, graduate students who complete the program receive a transcript of their Eberly Center activities (e.g., seminars attended, observations completed) as well as a two- to four-page letter that describes their work with the Eberly Center. This letter is written by the Coordinator of Graduate Programs and is addressed to the student. It lists the seminars completed, provides significant details from classroom observations, and discusses the course design and individualized projects. These documents can be used to strengthen a teaching portfolio or job application, and the letter can be given to potential employers in lieu of a recommendation. We have heard from alumni of the program that these documents gave them a significant advantage in the academic job market.
What are the requirements for completing the program?
The four requirements are:
- Seminars. You must attend at least six core seminars and at least ten seminars overall. These interactive seminars cover a wide range of topics on teaching and learning. Completing the 99-701: College and University Teaching course or attending an Eberly Center seminar for your department or program may substitute for a portion of these seminars. Teaching seminars for graduate students...
- Classroom Observations. You must complete two classroom observations. You may substitute your participation in a microteaching workshop for one of these teaching observations.
- A course design project. You must create or substantially revise a syllabus for a course that you expect to teach at some point in your academic career. This may be a course for which you have served (or will serve) as the TA or instructor. An Eberly Center consultant will provide advice and feedback to help you plan the course and produce a syllabus that reflects the principles of effective course design.
- An individualized project. You must complete an individualized project that is relevant to your teaching interests, demonstrates a substantial commitment of thought and effort, and is accompanied by a short reflection on the pedagogical rationale underlying the project. The two most common types of projects are: (1) developing a set of instructional materials (e.g., assignments, lecture slides, rubrics) for a course that you expect to teach at some point in your academic career or (2) creating a teaching portfolio. Other types of projects are possible, and all projects must be approved in advance by the Coordinator of Graduate Programs.
How long does it take to complete the requirements?
Completing the Future Faculty Program requires time and effort across several semesters. The amount of time it takes to complete the program depends on individual circumstances – for example, the availability of teaching opportunities that are appropriate for observations as well as time commitments that do not conflict with attending seminars.
There is no specific order in which you must complete the requirements, but most graduate students find it helpful to attend a few seminars before beginning either of the projects.
We encourage you to meet with the Coordinator of Graduate Programs <mail-to link> to make a plan for completing the requirements that addresses your particular circumstances and needs.
How do I enroll in the program?
You can enroll in the Future Faculty Program by emailing the Coordinator of Graduate Programs. You can choose to enroll in the program at any time, and any Eberly Center activities that you have already participated in can be used to satisfy the program requirements.
You can still use the Eberly Center’s services and resources even if you are not enrolled in the Future Faculty Program.
What happened to the Documentation of Teaching Development Program?
The Future Faculty Program was formerly known as the Documentation of Teaching Development Program. The new name more accurately reflects the program’s focus on preparing graduate students for academic careers that involve teaching, and the requirements for the course design and individualized projects have been clarified to reflect this focus.
Contact us to enroll in the Future Faculty Program.