ABOUT THE PROGRAM

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 2027-28

Participants may be seasoned educators with 10+ years of teaching experience (Scholars) or earlier in their teaching careers (Fellows). Faculty and instructional academic staff* are welcomed and encouraged to apply.

Common characteristics of successful WTFS participants: intellectual curiosity, openness to new ideas, many ways of thinking, and problem-solving, collegiality and commitment to a learning community, willingness to engage with an interdisciplinary group of diverse peers, and an underlying commitment to student learning and academic success.

* IAS with one year teaching experience at UWL will be considered – preference will be given to those with a known returning contract of at least 50% FTE.

Requirements:

• Commitment to full, active participation (completing necessary readings and activities, and traveling) during four in-person events throughout the year: 
  • Faculty College – June 1-4, 2027 – The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake
  • Summer Institute – June 14-18, 2027 – The Pyle Center, Madison, lodging to be determined
  • Winter Institute – January 2-4, 2028 – Fluno Center, Madison
  • Spring Conference on Teaching & Learning – April 13 &14, 2028, Madison
• Participation in an online progress meeting in August, 2027
• Submission of an IRB proposal prior to starting SoTL project data collection, ideally by August, 2027
• Consultation and recording of SoTL project’s progress throughout the program year.
• Submission of SoTL project abstract and poster to OPID | 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. 

APPLICATION PROCESS AND MATERIALS

This OneDrive folder (UWL login required) includes all the files and information needed to learn more about the program and information about what needs to be completed for an application, as well as how to submit your application. Applications are due before 11:59pm on November 23, 2026.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

• Review UW System information about WTFS.
• Listen to this CATL Cast podcast about the program from former participants.
• Please email CATLwith further questions.