UKTF Forum: Supporting the Teaching Fellow community

Abstract

Recent developments in the Higher Education sector have resulted in the creation of increasing numbers of teaching-focused positions, whose imcumbents are commonly referred to as ‘Teaching Fellows’. Individuals in these roles face a variety of unique challenges compared with their more traditional research-focused colleagues and they often lack access to tailored support and mentoring structures. In this report we highlight the creation of the UK Teaching Fellow Network and describe the online community and discussion forum that have been set up to support these individuals. The pilot programme targeted physics Teaching Fellows; below, we outline our plans to expand membership to encompass other STEM subjects in order to promote a content-rich, vibrant and supportive community in the long-term.