The Elm

The Leaders in Education: Academy of Presidential Scholars (LEAPS) and the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning (FCTL) are pleased to announce the inaugural Educator Development for Growth and Effectiveness Fellowship (EDGE). This 10-month professional development opportunity, open to all UMB schools, is focused on newer teaching faculty.   

The inaugural cohort, beginning in August 2024, is open to 15 to 20 faculty, ideally within their first two years of hire. Faculty starting in the summer/fall 2024 are welcome. Faculty with more experience are encouraged to apply and will be welcomed if spots are available. Upon completion of the program, fellows will receive $1,500 in professional development funds to participate in educationally focused conferences, coursework, or other professional development activities. 

Through the program, educators will: 

• Connect with the “why” of their teaching by articulating their teaching values, philosophy, and goals.
• Explore foundational pedagogical concepts that will support them as they teach, serve on curriculum committees, and participate in accreditation activities.
• Create and modify instructional materials (lectures, outlines, objectives, assessments, presentations, activities, etc.) that they can use immediately in their courses, didactic sessions, and other educational offerings including clinical mentoring of students. 
• Learn how to assess their instructional approach for maximum impact. 
• Compile a portfolio of engaging activities that align with best practices, their own teaching values, and instructional styles. 
• Engage in peer review of instructional materials and a microteaching experience for feedback. 
• Work with a professional development coach.
• Build community and expand their interprofessional networks with fellow educators across campus. 

Total monthly commitment is anticipated to be approximately 10 to 12 hours per month.  

Activities include: 

• Monthly meetings with the cohort and facilitators.
• Limited asynchronous work between meetings to support program outcomes.
• Individual professional development coaching sessions.

Please complete the nomination form for one or more faculty from your area by June 15, 2024. Self-nominations are welcome. You and the nominee will be contacted by July 1 with next steps.