Developing a “Just-in-Time, Just-Enough” Co-Teaching Certificate Program for Postdoctoral Scholars

Abstract

For many postdoctoral scholars who plan to pursue a career in academia, learning to teach will be a key element of their success, but teaching opportunities are not commonly part of most postdoctoral positions. Inspired by our recent membership in the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL), we developed a two-semester, “just-in-time, just-enough” postdoctoral certificate in teaching excellence that combines pedagogical training and participation in faculty learning communities with a short-term, intensive mentored co-teaching experience. In 2020–2021, two postdoc/faculty teams piloted the program; and in 2021–2022, a cohort of eight postdocs completed the program and co-taught with mentors. Pre/post survey data revealed that participants applied their training to their co-teaching, reported significant gains in almost all categories of teaching preparedness, and continued to pursue professional development in teaching one year after completing the program. We evaluate the program’s outcomes and make recommendations for best practices as well as future research for postdoctoral teaching preparation.