WISCIENCE offers 3 different Fellow Programs that involve a teaching experience—and each has a unique focus and benefits. Read on to find out what sets these programs apart and which one may be right for you: Scientific Teaching Fellows, Madison College Teaching Fellows, or STEM Public Service Fellows, Community-Engaged Teaching Track.
Both the Scientific Teaching Fellows and Madison College Teaching Fellows Programs have coursework focused on scientific teaching. If your primary interest is teaching, one of these programs may be right for you.
On the other hand, the STEM Public Service Fellows Program has coursework focused on community engagement. If you are interested in teaching through a community engagement lens and collaborating with Fellows who have diverse interests, this may be the path for you.
While Scientific Teaching Fellows and Madison College Teaching Fellows take the same coursework in spring and summer, they have very different teaching experiences in fall. For example, Scientific Teaching Fellows teach collaboratively at UW–Madison, while Madison College Teaching Fellows teach independently at Madison College. There are more details on the differences below.
The STEM Public Service Fellows Program supports a cohort of Fellows interested in three different pathways—direct service, science policy, and community-engaged teaching. The community-engaged teaching track of this program is a great choice for those who have a strong interest in community engagement and want to incorporate that into their teaching. All pathways in this program include a related practicum in the fall. For the community-engaged teaching track, your fall practicum will involve teaching a UW–Madison course focused on community-based learning.
Scientific Teaching Fellows
- Collaboratively teach a 2-credit course, Exploring Biology (INTEGSCI 100).
- For applicants in the biosciences or connected fields.
- You will work with the other Fellows in your cohort to plan and implement the course. This is a highly collaborative experience involving a lot of teamwork.
- The course you teach focuses not only on STEM content, but also on implementing active learning practices and helping create a supportive community for students new to UW–Madison.
- This is an unpaid position. You get credit for your teaching experience.
- Teaching location is on-campus.
Madison College Teaching Fellows
- Independently teach a 4-credit introductory course in biology, chemistry, physics, math, or computer science.
- For applicants in any STEM field interested in teaching one of the subjects listed above.
- You will be solely responsible for planning and implementing the course. This is an independent experience rather than a collaborative one.
- You will be paired with a mentor from Madison College with whom you’ll work one-on-one during the summer and fall.
- Because you are teaching at a 2-year school, this is a great opportunity to learn how to teach students from diverse backgrounds.
- You will be paid for your time teaching. Note that this pay will not replace a TA or RA position, nor does it come with benefits or tuition remission.
- Priority will be given to applicants who are interested in teaching at 2-year schools.
- Teaching location is Madison College (you’ll need transportation).
STEM Public Service Fellows, Community-Engaged Teaching Track:
- Coursework focuses on community engagement rather than teaching practices.
- You will take courses as a full cohort, alongside Fellows focusing on direct service, science policy, and community-engaged teaching. Collaboration and dialogue across different interest areas is one of the unique, enriching aspects of this program.
- Your teaching practicum will be an independent experience leading a 1–2 credit community-based teaching course, such as Exploring Service in STEM (IntegSci 140) or Service with Youth in STEM (IntegSci 240).
- This is an unpaid position. You get credit for your teaching experience.
- Teaching location is on-campus.
If you have more questions about these programs, attend an info session (available during fall semester) or reach out to connect@wiscience.wisc.edu.