Lead Graduate Student Fellowship

Graduate Student

The Lead Graduate Student Fellowship Program supports discipline-specific teacher training in over 45 graduate programs across seven schools and colleges at CU Boulder. With a global network of over 1,000 alumni, the Lead Network inspires leadership and innovation in teaching within and beyond higher education.

This program equips graduate students with professional development opportunities, leadership training, and hands-on teaching experience, preparing them for academic careers and leadership roles in diverse fields.

Find Your Department's Lead

Who Can Apply?

  • Graduate Students enrolled in eligible departments at CU Boulder.
  • Applications are sent to department chairs and graduate directors in early January.
  • Self-nominations are not accepted; each department runs its own selection process.

Program Benefits

Participants receive a stipend and engage in five key areas of professional development to build academic and teaching expertise:

Key Areas of Professional Development

1. Academic Management

  • Learn to balance multiple roles as researchers, teachers, students, and leaders.
  • Gain experience in academic service that benefits their department, CTL, and the campus community.
  • Develop time management and organizational skills to support academic success.

2. Academic Leadership

  • Design and implement teaching and learning projects, such as:
    • Resource banks to support graduate instructors.
    • Seminars and mentoring programs to enhance teaching practices.
  • Facilitate discipline-specific workshops with CTL support.
  • Lead initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching practices.

3. Consultation

  • Conduct up to four Video Teacher Consultations (VTCs) for peers.
  • Train in non-evaluative, peer observation techniques that promote self-reflection.
  • Help graduate instructors analyze and improve their teaching through structured feedback.
  • Support peers pursuing the Certificate in College Teaching, as two VTCs are required for completion.

4. College Teaching

  • Participate in CTL training sessions, workshops, and discipline-specific teaching activities.
  • Hone teaching skills and develop inclusive practices that improve undergraduate education.
  • Learn to integrate active learning strategies and evidence-based teaching methods into their courses.

5. Collaboration

  • Work in interdisciplinary teams to design and lead CTL workshops on topics such as:
    • Transitioning from TA to Instructor.
    • Creating an Inclusive Classroom Culture.
    • Assessment Strategies for Student Success.
  • Partner with faculty and staff to build a campus-wide network of support for teaching and learning.

Why Participate?

  • Hands-On Leadership Experience: Design and lead projects that leave a lasting impact.
  • Build Professional Networks: Collaborate with faculty, staff, and peers across disciplines.
  • Enhance Teaching Skills: Improve classroom management, curriculum design, and student engagement.
  • Earn Recognition: Develop credentials that demonstrate teaching expertise and leadership potential.
  • Prepare for Academic Careers: Strengthen your teaching portfolio and CV for future job applications.

How to Get Started

Reach out to your department鈥檚 current Lead Graduate Fellow or contact:

Preston Cumming
Professional Development Lead, CTL
Email: preston.cumming@colorado.edu

Ready to Apply?

Applications are distributed to department chairs and graduate directors in early January. Check with your department for deadlines and application details.

Join a growing network of educators and leaders committed to improving teaching and learning at CU Boulder鈥攁nd beyond!