UM Teaching Scholars

This program is directly linked to the UM System's Compact for Student Success. Specifically, the following components of the Compact are supported by UMTS:

• Encourage and support faculty who are committed to excellence teaching as a critical component of student success
• Enhance learning experiences
• Increase flexible paths to learning and degree completion
• Increase retention and graduation rates

UMTS is designed to support new-to-UM faculty members by achieving the following objectives.

• Faculty will learn the techniques and strategies that will assist them in becoming effective educators and support the UM System goal of remaining a learner-centered institution
  • Faculty participants will grow their awareness of the value of adopting a scholarly approach to teaching
  • Faculty participants will familiarize themselves with applying the principles of good practice in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)
• Faculty will learn strategies for effective communication across diverse groups of faculty, mentees, advisees, and classroom situations
• Faculty will develop collegial networks and collaborations with university and system wide peers

• UM Teaching Scholars will participate in two, one-day sessions in Columbia, Missouri. These sessions provide unique opportunities for engagement with system wide colleagues and to learn about key techniques and strategies to foster student success through teaching and learning.
• In addition to system wide events, scholars will join an institution-based learning community (LC), which will foster yearlong professional development and an opportunity to grow your network at your institution. On-campus activities will include a variety of learning opportunities that address topics designed to support faculty development as teachers and scholars.
• Travel, lodging, meals and materials will be provided by UM System in partnership with institutional partners.

2020-2021 Cohort

Recruitment for the 2020-2021 UMTS cohort will begin in February 2020 and run through mid-May. We encourage you to speak with your department chair about the program if you are considering applying. A brief statement of support from your chair will be required as a component of your application.

Fall system-wide session: September 10, 2020

"I have really enjoyed getting to know the other faculty scholars. I doubt I would have ever met any of the faculty from other campuses, and now I have points of contact at UMSL, UMKC and MST who can help me reach out to potential collaborators on those campuses."

– Ron McGarvey, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia

"The UMFS program has been the most important professional development program I have attended. It allows you to have a deeper understanding of academia and of yourself. What I have learned not only allowed me to have a better grasp of myself as a teacher and researcher but also will allow me to develop into a better and more productive faculty member."

– Eduardo Abreu, Nursing and Health Studies, University of Missouri-Kansas City

"UMFS was a fantastic experience.  It gave me the opportunity to closely consider the concepts of course design, effective teaching, collaboration and connecting with students.   In addition, I am much better prepared for upcoming promotion reviews."

– Jim Craig, Department of Military and Veteran Studies, University of Missouri-St. Louis

"The Faculty Scholars program provided valuable and useful information for furthering UM instructor and student success.  The ability to network with faculty from across the state is very helpful. Being knowledgeable about the resources, functions and opportunities at the multiple campuses is very useful."

– William LeFevers, Nursing and Health Studies, University of Missouri-Kansas City

"The UMFS is currently the best and only way to really get to know a large number of our colleagues at all of the other institutions within the system.  I and several others have formed collaborations and made contacts that will lead to future collaborations.  This benefit of the UMFS program cannot be understated."

– Brian Smith, Engineering Management & Systems Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology

"I am very grateful for my experience with the University of Missouri Faculty Scholars program.  Before the last retreat was even over, I was recommending it to a colleague in my division and thanking my Dean and Chair for allowing me to take advantage of this opportunity!  The insight I gained in the areas of promotion, scholarship, instruction, and research will be invaluable as I move forward in my career."

– Angela Brownfield, Pharmacy Practice & Administration, University of Missouri-Kansas City @ MU