Why We’re Here
The Provost’s Teaching Fellows (PTFs) envision a UT-Austin campus that embraces creativity, innovation, and a passion for teaching and learning that is complementary to its mission to advance knowledge through research. Our program is housed within the Center for Teaching and Learning in the Office of Academic Affairs.
What We Do
The PTF program empowers faculty to advance education in two ways: through individual initiatives that improve teaching and learning at UT, and through participation in campus- wide events that promote the quality of education and its status in the campus culture. Advised by a Senior Fellow mentor, each Teaching Fellow undertakes an individual initiative to improve teaching and learning in their own classroom, department, and College. Collectively, Fellows spearhead events that benefit the entire campus, including the New Faculty Symposium, the university-wide Texas Teach-Up, monthly Teaching Tips emails to all faculty, an annual PTF Showcase, and a “Think Tank” series where faculty discuss thorny issues in a safe and collaborative environment.
The PTF program is primarily connected to UT’s colleges and schools through our Home Fellows, who act as a program representative and play roles in the recruitment and selection processes, as well as in welcoming new faculty as part of the New Faculty Symposium.
Who We Are
Provost’s Teaching Fellows are hard-working, forward-thinking, community-minded faculty committed to improving teaching practice and campus culture at UT Austin. The current cohort of 42 Fellows represent faculty of all ranks, 14 of 16 Colleges and Schools, with a multiplicity of disciplines and unique perspectives. At present, 22 Teaching Fellows pursue individual initiatives, 20 Senior Fellows provide mentorship and guidance, and dozens of Alumni Fellows continue to support the PTF campus-wide events and facilitate Think Tank discussions. Together, we create a community in which faculty cross boundaries to collaborate in the service of improved student learning, scholarship, and campus culture. Through our collective goal-driven participation in the four-year PTF program cycle, we empower each other to continue to strive for excellence and professionalism as we work to be the best versions of scholar educators possible.
Three types of fellows comprise the PTF program: Teaching Fellows, Senior Fellows, and Alumni Fellows. Teaching Fellows pursue individual initiatives to enhance their own teaching practice and contribute to a culture of innovation. After three years, Teaching Fellows become Senior Fellows, who provide mentorship, connections, and feedback to Teaching Fellows on their initiatives. Both contribute to program leadership, event planning, and working groups. At the conclusion of their four-year terms, Senior Fellows may continue involvement in program activities as Alumni Fellows.