Program Overview

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Introduction to the Kaufman Teaching Certificate Program

The Kaufman Teaching Certificate Program (KTCP) is an interactive workshop series designed for late-program graduate students and postdocs interested in academic careers or developing skills to support their teaching at MIT. The program was named in 2014 to honor Stephen P. Kaufman, a long-time supporter of the Teaching + Learning Lab.

Program Description

KTCP consists of eight practice-based workshops in a single semester. By participating in these workshops, students will learn evidence-based teaching techniques grounded in the scholarship of teaching and learning. Topics include:

• Constructing a syllabus
• Designing a course
• Preparing a lesson plan
• Assessing and providing feedback to students
• Creating an effective and welcoming classroom climate

Students will also practice these teaching skills through microteaching workshops, in which they will receive individual feedback from peers and teaching experts.

Program Requirements and Certificate

Participants will receive a certificate and letter from the Vice Chancellor upon completing all program requirements. The letter outlines the program, confirms completion of all program requirements, and can be submitted with applications for teaching positions as evidence of a commitment to teaching. To complete the program, participants must engage with all workshops and complete all pre- and post-workshop assignments.

Eligibility and Application Process

In a given semester, priority will be given primarily to applicants who are in their final year of graduate or postdoctoral studies. We also consider whether applicants have a current or upcoming teaching appointment at MIT, whether applicants are on the faculty job market, whether applicants have previously applied for the KTCP, and alignment of applicants’ stated goals with the goals of the program.

MIT faculty and instructors, as well as MIT staff with official teaching responsibilities, will be welcomed into the program after submitting an application.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is eligible to take the KTCP?
  The KTCP is primarily designed for graduate students and postdocs. MIT faculty and instructors, as well as MIT staff with official teaching responsibilities, will be welcomed into the program after submitting an application.
• What are the program expectations?
  In order to complete the program and receive a certificate, participants must attend all workshops, participate in microteaching sessions, and submit all required post-workshop homework assignments, including microteaching reflections.
• How are applicants selected for KTCP?
  The KTCP has two goals: to prepare future faculty for teaching outside of MIT and to provide training for current MIT instructors and TAs. Final-year grad students or postdocs are given priority, although we also give favorable weight to applicants with teaching appointments, those on the faculty job market, or those who have previously applied for the KTCP, whose stated goals align with the program outcomes.
• What kinds of questions are on the application?
  The application collects basic contact information, information about the applicant's appointment at MIT, and information about any forthcoming teaching commitments. The application also includes two short-answer questions with a 1500-character limit:
  • Describe your teaching responsibilities in the next two semesters.
  • What are two teaching practices or skills you hope to learn by completing this program?

Program Schedule and Time Commitment

The KTCP is offered every fall, beginning in September, and every spring, beginning in February. For each workshop, there are pre-workshop readings and tasks, as well as post-workshop assignments. Participants should plan to spend at least one hour preparing materials before each workshop and at least one hour to complete and upload each post-workshop assignment.

Microteaching Sessions

During each two-week microteaching period, participants will deliver their presentation and thoughtfully critique their colleagues’ presentations. Each participant is expected to attend one microteaching session in each two-week period.

Comparison with Grad Teaching Development Tracks

The goals of both KTCP and the workshop tracks are the same. However, the right program for an individual will depend on the kind of training they are looking for and the time left in their program or appointment.

• Kaufman Teaching Certificate Program:
  • Intended for postdocs and late-program graduate students.
  • All program requirements must be completed within one semester.
  • Certificate awarded after the semester-long program.
• Grad Teaching Development Tracks:
  • Intended for early-program graduate students at MIT.
  • Priority is given to those who have already completed a workshop track.
  • Shorter time commitment per semester (2-3 workshops).
  • Program can be completed over several years.
  • Letter of completion awarded after each workshop track.
  • Certificate received after completing all 4 workshop tracks.

Additional Information

• There is no fee to apply or enroll in the KTCP.
• Completion of the program does not appear on the participant's transcript, but a certificate from TLL and a letter from the Vice Chancellor attesting to the work done will be provided upon completion.
• The program is not credit-bearing, and participants do not receive a grade at the end. Completion is determined by attendance and completion of required homework.