ASPIRE’s Curated Career Resources: Teaching
BRET ASPIRE Resources
Path to Career blogs:
- Faculty Search: https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/career-development/path-to-career/faculty-job-search/
- Skill Development: Teaching: https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/career-development/skill-development
Office of Career Development Blog: https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/career-development/blog
Search tags: Career Options: K-12 Teaching/Outreach, Tenure Track Teaching, Academia, Academic Search, Volunteer Opportunity
ASPIRE Workshop on Preparing for a Faculty Career and Job Search: https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/career-development/aspire-workshop-on-preparing-for-a-faculty-career-and-job-search/
This ASPIRE workshop is hosted every year in August for postdocs and late-stage grad students in the biomedical and life sciences who are interested in faculty careers. This event features interactive sessions and panel discussions with current faculty on topics ranging from exploring faculty roles, to interviewing for faculty jobs. Check out the “helpful resources” page for more resources and information.
Archived ASPIRE Postdoctoral Café sessions on teaching and faculty positions: These sessions are no longer being offered, but the previous sessions on teaching and faculty positions have been archived and are accessible in a Box folder. Select past topics listed below: https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/career-development/aspire-cafe-for-postdoctoral-fellows/ Click on the Box ASPIRE Café folder link to access.
- Preparing a Faculty Position Application Package
- What to Expect from a Faculty Position Interview
- How to Give A Chalk Talk
- Preparing for a Teaching Demo
PhD Career Stories: https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/career-development/phd-career-stories/
Schedule varies from year to year, but speakers are often invited who come from various teaching roles. Past topics include:
- Liberal Arts College Faculty
- Teaching and Education Landscape in High Schools
- College Teaching
- Teaching in the K-12 Classroom
ASPIRE Teaching Internships: https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/career-development/the-aspire-teaching-internship/
Teaching internships can be identified on an as-needed basis. A graduate student or postdoctoral fellow is paired with a faculty member at the university where they get to observe, give a guest lecture(s), receive feedback, design a lab, and meet and interact with students and faculty. If interested, contact Ashley Brady (ashley.brady@vanderbilt.edu)
Beyond the Lab Podcast and Videos: https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/career-development/beyond-the-lab-see-listen/
In the “Beyond the Lab” series, the BRET Office of Career Development interviews Vanderbilt PhD and postdoctoral alumni about their career path.
IGP/QCB Teaching Opportunities: Depending on need, there may be opportunities to assist with courses or modules associated with IGP/QCB. Reach out to the BRET office to learn more about potential opportunities.
Campus Resources
AdvanceED: The Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/advanced-institute/
The mission of AdvancED is to promote cutting-edge, research-backed innovations in pedagogy and student experience to maximize the impact of new ideas on society.
- Seminars/workshops: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/advanced-institute/events/
open to all - Certificate in College Teaching: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/advanced-institute/cict/
A one-semester seminar that explores and develops teaching skills. Participants attend 8 group sessions, complete a microteaching experience and develop a philosophy of teaching statement with feedback provided by a private 1:1 consultation. Additionally, participants may attend an optional teaching visit. (Note: wait list of at least 1 semester to enroll)
Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science (VSVS): https://studentorg.vanderbilt.edu/vsvs/
VSVS is a service organization composed of undergraduate, graduate, and medical students who are committed to bringing inquiry-based, hands-on science lessons to middle-school students.
Aspirnaut: http://www.aspirnaut.org/
The Aspirnaut program brings high school students and undergraduates from across the country to Vanderbilt to do research for the Summer.
Vanderbilt Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach (CSEO): https://www.vanderbilt.edu/cseo/programs/middle-school-programs/scientist-in-the-classroom-partnership/
The CSEO is dedicated to enhancing literacy in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through the establishment of unique partnerships between University scientists, K-12 educators and students, and the local and global science community. They accept applications each Spring. Keep an eye out for the most up-to-date application information here: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/cseo/programs/middle-school-programs/scientist-in-the-classroom-partnership/apply-to-scp/
Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth: https://pty.vanderbilt.edu/
The Program for Talented Youth offers accelerated courses for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. These courses are led by Vanderbilt faculty, graduate students, and content experts. Various programs are offered throughout the year, so there are several ways to get involved. You can join their mailing list here to learn more: https://pty.vanderbilt.edu/connect/
Resources Outside of Campus
NCFDD (Vanderbilt membership): https://www.ncfdd.org/
The NCFDD is an independent organization dedicated to professional development, training and mentoring, helping faculty make successful transitions throughout their careers. It comprises more than 80,000 graduate students, postdocs and faculty members. Access weekly e-newsletter, webinars, courses, mentoring, and career center support. Click here for instructions on activating your free membership through Vanderbilt: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/provost/resources-faculty/ncfdd/
“Do-it-yourself” Teaching Opportunities: There are over a dozen colleges, universities, and community colleges within a 60 minute drive of Nashville. VU has many alumni on the faculty at these institutions. You can arrange to do a guest lecture. Community colleges, in particular, often look for adjunct professors who want to teach for a semester. We have had postdocs (and sometimes even students) pursue these opportunities after consulting with their research advisor.
See more under “teaching” https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/career-development/skill-development
Skype with a Scientist: https://www.skypeascientist.com/
The mission of Skype with a Scientist is to make science accessible to the public through personal connections with scientists and public art. They host monthly live streams presented by scientists (usually grad students/postdocs!) about various science topics. You can also sign up to get connected with educators to talk about science in the classroom.