University of Wisconsin-Superior faculty Priyanka Mehta and Kara Woodley were among those selected for the Universities of Wisconsin 2024–2025 Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars.

“I am thankful that UW Superior values teaching development so highly,” said Mehta, teaching assistant professor of the psychology program in UW-Superior’s Department of Human Behavior, Justice, & Diversity. It’s a very supportive environment for being adventurous and creative.” 

This year’s program participants come from the Universities of Wisconsin’s 11 comprehensive universities and UW-Milwaukee. Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars (WTFS) must demonstrate excellent teaching skills and have a curiosity about student learning to be nominated by Provosts.

“When a bunch of people from different fields get together, it’s wonderful,” said Mehta. “You get to hear perspectives you never would have thought of before.”

The yearlong program began in late May and will culminate with a research presentation at the annual Spring Conference on Teaching and Learning in April 2025.

“The Universities of Wisconsin has a rich history with the framework of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning,” said Woodley, teaching assistant professor of special education in UW-Superior’s Department of Education. “I am honored to be selected to participate in the 25th year of this signature program with colleagues from around the Universities of Wisconsin.”

WTFS provides UW faculty and teaching academic staff a unique opportunity to collaborate with other exceptional teachers from across the Universities of Wisconsin and from various disciplines.

“I am looking forward to creating a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) research project,” said Woodley. “The SoTL project will help me gain important insight into the diverse learning experiences of my students to improve equitable and accessible learning opportunities in my online classes. This SoTL experience as a Wisconsin Teaching Fellow & Scholar will allow me to share the knowledge that I’ve gained with colleagues so we can continue to move the needle in equitable and accessible learning for our university students.” 

In addition to discussing effective evidence-based teaching and learning approaches, participants are guided through systematic research focused on improving student learning through a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) project, the 25th year of using this format.

“As a life-long learner and educational researcher-practitioner, I am grateful to the Markwood Center for Learning, Innovation and Collaboration (CLIC) at UW-Superior and the Universities of Wisconsin for this opportunity to continue asking important questions about how to improve teaching and learning for our students,” said Woodley. 

Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars is one of three signature programs offered by the Universities of Wisconsin’s Office of Professional and Instructional Development (OPID). OPID supports the Universities of Wisconsin’s’ 13 Centers for Teaching and Learning in fostering a culture of teaching and learning excellence in Wisconsin. Together they offer professional development programs that ensure student learning in face-to-face, online, and blended learning environments. Fay Akindes is OPID Director.

The Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars program is directed by two faculty leaders, Valerie Barske, a history professor at UW-Stevens Point, and Heather Pelzel, a biological sciences professor at UW-Whitewater.