Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars
A page within Center for Advancing Teaching and Learning (CATL)
UW System’s Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars (WTFS) Program is designed to provide the time, space, and support to systematically reflect with UW peers in a stimulating and open-minded community and, ultimately, to move from “scholarly teaching” to the “scholarship of teaching [and learning].” Administered by the UW System’s Office of Professional and Instructional Development (OPID) and directed by UW System faculty, the WTFS Program is grounded in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL).
The program offers UW faculty and teaching academic staff a unique opportunity to collaborate with other exceptional teachers from across the UW System and from various disciplines. Many participants have found that the experience re-energized their work and even transformed their approach to teaching and learning. Collaboration with colleagues from diverse perspectives lies at the heart of the program. In addition to discussing illuminating works from pedagogical literature, Fellows and Scholars are guided through the process of completing a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) project with input from fellow participants and the program co-directors.
KEY INFORMATION for 2025-26
Participants may be seasoned educators (Scholars) or early in their teaching careers (Fellows). Faculty and instructional academic staff* (instructors and lecturers) are welcome. Common characteristics of successful WTFS participants: intellectual curiosity; openness to new ideas, ways of thinking, and problem-solving; collegiality; commitment to a learning community; willingness to engage with an interdisciplinary group of diverse peers; and an underlying commitment to success of all students. UWL supports two participants annually.
*IAS with one year teaching experience will be considered – preference will be given to those with a known returning contract of at least 50% FTE.
Requirements:
- All participants must be willing to complete any necessary readings and materials, travel, commit to full-time active participation during four events throughout the year:
- Faculty College – May 27-30, 2025 – The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake
- Summer Institute – June 16-20, 2025 – The Pyle Center, Madison, lodging at The Graduate
- Winter Institute – January 4-6, 2026 – The Fluno Center, Madison
- Spring Conference on Teaching & Learning – April 16 &17, 2026– Memorial Union, Madison
- Participation in an online progress meeting in August, 2025
- Submission of an IRB proposal prior to starting SoTL project data collection, ideally by August, 2025
- Consultation and recording of SoTL project’s progress throughout the program year.
- Submission of SoTL project abstract to UW System.
UWL will provide a $4,000 summer stipend, and covers your travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals to the above listed events. You will also receive $500 in Supplies & Expense from UW System’s OPID to support your SoTL work.
We seek participants who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, as well as an intellectual curiosity, spirit of collegiality, and commitment to the success of all students.
Review UW System information about WTFS. Please also read the detailed documents about the program.
An open question & answer session will be held during the CATL Mini-Conference on Friday, November 22. Join us to ask questions of past/current UWL WTFS participants and CATL Director. If you have questions before that session, please email Kristin Koepke, Director of CATL. Kristin can connect you with prior UWL WTFS participants, as needed.