Investing in Baylor’s Teachers: Summer Faculty Institute

This summer, 20 members of Baylor’s faculty from across disciplines and across campus came together for the University’s longest running professional development program for faculty – the Summer Faculty Institute (SFI). This program, established in 1978 as the Summer Teaching Institute, was inherited by the Academy for Teaching and Learning (ATL) in 2008, and over the years has broadened its focus to include the development of a variety of professional skills.

“There remains in SFI a strong emphasis on teaching,” said Dr. Lenore Wright, director of the ATL. “But there’s also reading and reflection on scholarship, service and collegiality – all of the areas in which faculty members are evaluated for promotion.”

SFI is a five-week program led by two Baylor professors; this year’s coordinators were Dr. Tom Hanks and Dr. Anne- Marie Schultz. Guest speakers from both within and outside of Baylor lend their expertise to program participants as well. Faculty must apply to this competitive program and receive a stipend for their participation.

SFI participants engage in a variety of readings, discussions and activities designed to promote faculty flourishing. For example, in microteaching each participant teaches a 15-minute lesson in his or her field to their SFI colleagues and coordinators. Most faculty members are unaccustomed to being observed by peers outside of their disciplines, which can cause some anxiety, but the oral and written feedback from professional colleagues is invaluable.

To encourage research and writing, SFI participants also are required to write, within their fields, for one hour every day. Once a week, each participant brings a sample of that writing to share with his or her colleagues. This assignment helps to instill the habit of regular writing necessary for faculty to increase scholarly productivity.

As the SFI and ATL look toward the future, ensuring their programs are meeting the needs of STEM faculty is a priority. For instance, since STEM faculty have grant expectations that differ from those in the humanities, the ATL is intentional about bringing in faculty from the STEM fields to better facilitate grant discussions. This year, STEM participants in SFI worked directly with Dr. Dan Peppe on STEM-related expectations and goals. Baylor University has also approved an ATL Postdoctoral Teaching Fellowship in STEM Education.

Overall, SFI is regarded as a prestigious professional development program, considered on par with a summer sabbatical. It’s one of the many examples of how Baylor, through the ATL, strives to support and encourage excellence in teaching.

“SFI represents a significant investment of resources,” Wright said. “Baylor – and for the first time in 2016, donor gifts – support the continued development of Baylor faculty. Administrators and alumni share the goal of helping faculty become the best in their professional fields: exemplary teachers, scholars, service leaders and colleagues. SFI exemplifies a high regard for faculty and their contributions to teaching and learning.”

Applications for the 2017 Summer Faculty Institute are due September 1, 2016, and can be found at baylor.edu/ATL along with more information about the program.