The College of Engineering Graduate Student Teaching Fellows program is a one-year competitive program that prepares graduate students who are currently (or will be) teaching at the postsecondary level. This is a unique opportunity that allows graduate students to engage with evidence-based teaching methods applicable to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Graduate Ph.D seeking students will learn to become effective teachers through active participation in a peer-observation program, learning evidence-based course design and development, structured discussions with faculty mentors, and taking part in a course focused on teaching. Upon completion of the program, participants are awarded a non-degree certificate of completion and named a UNL College of Engineering Graduate Student Teaching Fellow. Students will simultaneously earn associate level certification through the CIRTL@Nebraska program (go.unl.edu/cirtl) to be named a CIRTL Associate.
Program Timeline
Fall Semester Requirements
- Enroll in ENGR 833: STEM Teaching (3 credits), taught by Dr. Tareq Daher
- Draft a Teaching Philosophy (course assignment)
- Attend a COPUS training session (2.5–3 hours)
- Conduct 2–4 peer classroom observations using COPUS
- Submit all assignments via Canvas
Spring Semester Requirements
- Attend 4+ CIRTL workshops. We recommend some combination of these topics:
- Teaching as Research
- Learning Communities
- Learning through Diversity
Please note that one required CIRTL approved workshop will be offered in the Spring
- Write and upload a Reflective Memo to your CIRTL account
- Complete 2–4 additional peer observations
- Attend 1 pedagogy-focused discussions with DEBR faculty mentors
Recognition Upon Completion
Who Can Apply?
- Ph.D. students in the College of Engineering
- Must have completed at least 18 credit hours of your program
How to Apply
- One-page letter of application describing:
- Your interest in the program
- How it supports your teaching and career goals
- Include your name, phone, and email
- Recommendation letter from your faculty advisor
- Complete the online application form
Recognition Upon Completion
- Named a Graduate Student Teaching Fellow by the UNL College of Engineering
- Earn CIRTL Associate Certification
- Attend the COE Teaching Excellence Celebration
- Be honored at the COE Graduate Student Awards Ceremony
Testimonials
The program also prepared me for future academic roles by helping me develop a teaching philosophy and gain practical pedagogical tools that I will carry with me throughout my career. I would highly recommend this program to any graduate student who is considering an academic path or who simply enjoys teaching. I’m truly grateful for the knowledge, mentorship, and friendships I gained—it has made a lasting impact on me both professionally and personally.
Abdelrahman Awawdeh
PhD in Engineering, Construction Engineering & Management
Cohort 2022-23
I’ve included [The Graduate Teaching Fellows Program] on my CV and discussed it during several interviews. Employers and academic search committees responded positively—especially appreciating the formal and rigorous training in pedagogy. One interviewer even joked that it’s a transformative program that turns researchers into teachers, which was encouraging to hear.
Oghenetega Obewhere
PhD in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Cohort 2023-24
