The participants in the Graduate Teaching Scholarship program are: front row, from left: Courtney Vengrin, Gabrielle Fundaro, Mara Grossman; back row, from left: Jason Smith, Dan Tekiela, Matt Schroeder, Liyun Ye
The primary objective of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Graduate Teaching Scholar Program is to prepare interested doctoral students for a rewarding academic career. Those holding academic faculty positions within a college or university are expected to be active in teaching, discovery, and outreach. Doctoral education programs have historically emphasized preparation for research and scholarly publications and for outreach. However, to some extent, many candidates who complete a doctoral program have minimal preparation and experience in formal teaching.
Now, with the creation of the Graduate Teaching Scholar Program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, graduate students can develop teaching skills and build their confidence to become inspiring and well- rounded educators, mentors, and leaders. Seven students are now enrolled in the program.
A scholar selected for the GTS program will be eligible to receive up to three years of funding for an annual stipend and tuition as well as additional funding for professional development activities.
As a part of the program, the GTS participants are expected to participate in weekly meetings of the GTS group, establish regular meetings with their faculty mentors, and observe class sections of undergraduate first-year experience courses offered in the college. The second year of the program provides the opportunities for the scholar to share 50 percent of the instructional responsibilities for a course within their home department or within the college. Also, as a part of the program, the participates will complete the Virginia Tech Future Professoriate Certificate.
The GTS program is sponsored by CALS and is supported through funds received from the Provost’s office. Donna Westfall-Rudd serves as the program coordinator.