Learn the principles of scientific teaching and apply them as an instructor at a local community college!
Are you a graduate student or postdoc interested in pursuing a career that includes college-level teaching? Is your discipline biology, chemistry, physics, math, computer science, civil engineering, or a connected field? If so, this unique professional development program may help you achieve your goals.
In this year-long program, Fellows get in-depth training and hands-on experience with research-based, inclusive teaching and serve as paid instructors of record at Madison College. Through coursework and practical teaching experience in an undergraduate course, Fellows develop innovative and effective ways to teach STEM.
More Information
Applications for 2026 are closed.
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Madison College Teaching Fellows is a professional development program that offers graduate students and postdocs in-depth preparation for careers teaching college-level STEM courses to students from diverse backgrounds. The program takes a unique approach, integrating training in college science teaching with practical teaching experience, all with an explicit emphasis on inclusive, research-based approaches.
Fellows learn about these approaches during the first semester, then apply them the next as they develop instructional materials that engage students in active learning. In the final semester, Fellows implement what they’ve learned by teaching an introductory level STEM course at Madison College, a two-year community college in Madison, WI.
Available introductory courses to teach:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Math
- Computer Science
- Civil Engineering
This program gives Fellows the opportunity to:
- Gain in-depth training in research-based teaching methods
- Serve as a paid instructor of record and gain firsthand experience designing and teaching an introductory STEM course
- Become more effective at supporting a broad range of students and addressing issues of diversity and inclusion in teaching environments
- Experience all aspects of teaching, from developing instructional materials to managing a classroom environment to grading
- Gain an understanding of community colleges and the experiences of transfer-intending community college students
- Help shape this program by reflecting on your experiences throughout
The program is divided into three semester-long phases:
- Spring: Fellows learn about scientific teaching and instruction at a two-year institution
- Summer: Fellows apply what they learned as they prepare to teach a course with the guidance of a Madison College faculty mentor
- Fall: Fellows teach a real undergraduate course as instructors.
Fellows will also write journal reflections on their experiences throughout the year, contributing to the program’s future development.
Before applying, please review the program expectations and time commitments below and discuss with your PI (or equivalent). Note that program courses count toward the Certificate in Higher Education Teaching and Learning.
1. Spring Semester: Learn About College Science Teaching & Community College Instruction
- Participate in INTEGSCI 650: College Science Teaching (1–2 credits; meets Wednesdays, 9-11 A.M. in spring 2026)
- Participate in monthly program meetings
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Apply to be a part-time instructor at Madison College
Overall Time Commitment: 2–4 hours per week
INTEGSCI 650 covers the fundamentals of learning theory and practical strategies for teaching college-level science. The cohort works together to learn the core themes of scientific teaching (active learning, assessment, and diversity) so that they can make informed decisions about their teaching in the future.
In collaboration with faculty and staff at Madison College, Fellows will meet monthly to discuss topics relevant to teaching at a community college. Topics covered may include: the history, mission, and organization of community colleges, the characteristics and challenges faced by transfer-intending community college students, the roles and responsibilities of community college faculty, and preparation for the application and hiring process at a community college.
In order to teach at Madison College in fall, Fellows must be hired on by the college. During spring, Fellows will prepare for and complete the application and hiring process.
2. Summer Term: Prepare Instructional Materials
- Participate in INTEGSCI 750: Instructional Materials Design for College Science Teaching (1 credit; meets weekly for 1–2 hours, time TBD)
- Meet regularly with Madison College faculty mentor
- Prepare to teach in the fall
Overall Time Commitment: 4–6 hours per week
During this term, Fellows will apply the pedagogical knowledge learned in INTEGSCI 650: College Science Teaching to develop a plan to implement Madison College curriculum in the fall semester. Madison College faculty mentors will provide guidance as Fellows prepare their fall implementation plans. Fellows will check in with their peers and the program director to give and receive support as they prepare to teach.
3. Fall Semester: Teaching Practicum
- Participate in INTEGSCI 850: Mentored Practicum in College Science Teaching (1 credit; meets biweekly for 1–2 hours, time TBD)
- Teach a course at Madison College as instructor of record
Overall Time Commitment: 8–10 hours per week
In the final semester, Fellows implement what they’ve learned by teaching a STEM course at Madison College as the instructor of record. During this semester, each Fellow serves as a part-time faculty member and gets paid for their time teaching. Fellows will check in with their peers and the program director to receive support as they teach their course.
Program Eligibility Requirements
- Currently a graduate student in a PhD program or postdoctoral scholar at UW–Madison, and will continue to be through the fall 2026 semester
- Completed 18 credits in the discipline (or a closely related discipline) that you are applying to teach in (biology, chemistry, physics, math, computer science, or civil engineering)
- Interested in and enthusiastic about teaching; willing to try new teaching approaches and teach in new settings
- Interested in and enthusiastic about teaching a diverse student population
- Ability to complete the program in its entirety from January 2026–January 2027 (including attending monthly meetings, the College Science Teaching course in spring 2026, regular meetings with a Madison College faculty mentor in summer and fall 2026, and serving as a instructor of record for a course at Madison College in fall 2026)
- Approval from your PI/advisor to participate in this program (you will be asked to provide this approval in writing if selected)
- Willing to provide feedback to contribute to the program’s ongoing development
- Please note: unfortunately, if you are a J-1 or H1-B visa holder, you are ineligible to participate at this time
Application Details
| Application Components | Details |
| An online application form | This should include:
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| Your resume or CV | Please highlight:
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| Short answer responses (1-2 pages) | Please address these topics:
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| Your availability and existing obligations | Please include:
A list of your existing obligations (research, teaching, etc.) and known conflicts from January 2026–January 2027. Include any time periods that you would be unavailable for program responsibilities as well as any recurring weekly commitments. |
| Your graduate transcript | This will allow us to verify your eligibility to teach in the subjects that interest you |
Which teaching program is right for me?
If you’re interested in teaching, each of our Fellows Programs has something to offer you—and each has a unique focus and benefits. Get more details about what sets these programs apart and which one may be right for you.
Contact
Sarah Sweger
Credentials: PhD
Position title: Assistant Director for STEM Student Engagement
Email:
ssweger
Phone: (608) 890-2993