Texas Tech University

TEACH Program

Texas Tech Graduate School TTU TEACH Program

Program Summary

The TEACH (Teaching Effectiveness And Career enHancement) Program, affiliated with the Texas Tech Graduate School, was modeled after the national Preparing Future Faculty movement and assists Ph.D. students in further developing teaching skills and exploring faculty roles. The program welcomed its first pilot cohort in 2000 in the Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development Center at Texas Tech; it now operates under the auspices of the TTU Graduate School and has grown into an elite, highly regarded program that has become a model for other programs across the country.

Program activities include one-on-one consultations, classroom observations, midsemester student evaluations, peer observations, workshop attendance, and developing a professional teaching portfolio and detailed course design project. Past TEACH fellows estimate that the program requires 30- 40 hours per semester. Fellows selected for this program are paid a $250 stipend per semester for active participation. Many departments at Texas Tech currently offer their TAs excellent opportunities for development and training. The TEACH program does not replace those programs; rather, it seeks to supplement their efforts with a year-long focus on intentionality and evidence-based best practices in the classroom.

The TEACH program offers individualized attention from consultants who specialize in andragogical development and are committed to teaching excellence. The program provides numerous opportunities for self-reflection, and through these experiences, each successful fellow can expect to:

  • Receive additional training on new instructional strategies to improve student learning in his/her courses;
  • Evaluate, reflect on, and incorporate feedback from students, peers, and consultants;
  • Prepare professional documents to facilitate the transition to an academic career; and
  • Develop relationships with faculty, staff, and peers to maintain a spirit of collegiality in pursuing professional development.

If you have any additional questions, please contact Dr. Mike Lemon (Instructional Development Coordinator, Graduate School).

 

Learn More

 

Applying to TEACH

Have Questions Before Applying?

Application Process

The applicaiton process includes the following requirements

  • A completed applicant profile via online application system
  • A two-stage personal statement from the applicant. This statement should Address
    • Progress towards degree.
    • Reason for interest in the program.
    • Previous teaching experience.
    • Career goals.
    • Reason for interest in the program.
    • Discuss your experience with having your teaching evaluated, and how you responded to such feedback.
    • Career goal.
  • Two faculty recommendations provided through the online application system. These faculty members should have knowledge of your previous teaching experience, career goals, or other vital information for why you would make an excellent TEACH fellow.
    • Selected recommenders will receive an automated email with a link to the system. 
  • Students who speak English as a second language should provide a copy of the teaching recommendation letter emailed or given to them and their graduate advisors at the completion of the ITA workshop, or other official evidence of language proficiency.
  • Applicants with complete applications will also be invited to participate in one of several group interviews. These interviews will occur either in person or through video conferencing. Participation in the interview process is strongly recommended.

 

Applications Closed

 

 

More Information

Dr. Mike Lemon Ph.D. TEACH Instructional Developing Coordinator

Mike Lemon, Ph.D.

Instructional Developing Coordinator

mike.lemon@ttu.edu

 

TEACH Program Manual

View PDF