From Postdoc to Professor brings together essential elements of teaching preparation into one engaging experience for postdoctoral scholars. Participants will strengthen their understanding of evidence-based, student-centered, and inclusive teaching practices; develop foundational course design skills; begin crafting a teaching philosophy statement; and build connections with peers and campus partners committed to teaching excellence. The program is part of UCLA’s annual Postdoctober recognition month.
Why Participate?
Preparing for a faculty career requires more than disciplinary expertise. From Postdoc to Professor provides a focused opportunity for postdocs to strengthen their teaching practice, develop key academic job market materials, and expand their professional network.
Participants will:
- Develop an effective course design framework that aligns learning objectives, assessments, and learning activities.
- Begin crafting a teaching philosophy statement that reflects their values and approach to teaching and learning.
- Explore evidence-based and inclusive teaching practices that foster meaningful student learning.
- Gain confidence articulating their approach to teaching for future faculty positions.
- Connect with fellow postdoctoral scholars and campus partners who can support their continued professional growth.
Whether they’re preparing to teach a first course or refining a teaching portfolio for the academic job market, postdocs will find practical strategies, dedicated time for reflection, and resources to continue to build on throughout your academic career.
Program Schedule
From Postdoc to Professor includes two interactive workshops (Course Design Fundamentals and Developing Your Teaching Philosophy) and a networking lunch.
Course Design Fundamentals
This workshop will introduce foundational principles of effective course design for university classrooms. Participants will explore the backward design approach to align learning objectives, assessments, and activities, and will be introduced to reflective teaching practices that leverage research skills to improve teaching and enhance student learning. The session will also include dedicated time for participants to develop a plan for designing or refining a course in their field, with guidance and support from TLC staff and colleagues from UCLA’s Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL@UCLA).
Networking Lunch
Current postdocs and representatives from postdoc-supporting offices will connect over informal conversations. Participants will have the chance to meet colleagues across disciplines, learn about campus resources, and begin building a professional network that supports their career goals.
Developing Your Teaching Philosophy
This workshop will guide both new and experienced instructors through the process of articulating a teaching philosophy. Participants will reflect on their core values as educators, explore how those values translate into real-world teaching decisions, and begin connecting their experiences to a compelling narrative. Participants will also discover resources and strategies for turning these insights into a strong, authentic teaching philosophy statement – an essential component of academic job materials.
Registration
The program is part of UCLA’s annual Postdoctober recognition month and registration typically opens in September. Participants may attend one or both workshops.
