Through its core courses – Teaching in Higher Education followed by
a Practicum course – the Preparing Future Faculty Program provides a
teaching and learning forum in which participants engage with a multidisciplinary,
cross-cultural mix of masters students, doctoral candidates, and post-doctoral
fellows. Participants discuss learning theory and strategies, develop teaching
skills, create classroom and job search materials, and work with faculty from
a range of institutional types.
The program is sponsored by the University of Minnesota Graduate School and the Office of Human Resources. To receive a letter of recognition and certificate of program participation, students complete two core courses: GRAD 8101 and GRAD 8102. Students may also register for “topics” courses offered under the GRAD 8200 designation to gain a GRAD 8101 equivalent one credit at a time. Some graduate programs may have different requirements for doctoral students participating in this program. Query the PFF Program coordinators if you have questions.
What Difference Does PFF Make?
According to our alumni survey, PFF alums are "quick starting faculty" with significantly higher levels of job, student, and colleague satisfaction than faculty expressed nationally.
“Through PFF, I have learned invaluable teaching skills and gotten oriented to career options in diverse higher education settings.”
- Hui Nui Wilcox, from the Community of Scholars Spring
2004 Celebration
Goals for Participants
Preparing Future Faculty will assist participants in further developing your
teaching skills and exploring the faculty role on a college or university campus.
Our goals are to help future faculty:
Acquire information about the teaching and learning process and faculty
role at a variety of institutions of higher education.
Gain a realistic perspective on the skills required for success as a faculty
member.
Examine and mindfully plan your fit with a teaching career in higher education.
Work with a faculty mentor in a teaching opportunity on a regional college
or university campus or at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Demonstrate, document, consult and reflect upon your teaching skills.
Market yourself in competition for faculty or other professional positions.
