Kaufman Teaching Certificate Program

The goals of both KTCP and the workshop tracks are the same. However, the right program for you will depend on the kind of training you are looking for and the time left in your program or appointment.

The learning outcomes of KTCP and the complete set of workshop tracks are identical and there is significant overlap in the content of both programs. Graduate students who complete one or more workshop tracks will be ineligible for the KTCP and should plan to finish their certificate through the Grad Teaching Development Tracks. Graduate students in their last year who have completed some workshop track but will not be able to complete their certificate through the Grad Teaching Development Tracks may be considered for the KTCP.

During each two-week microteaching period (see schedules above), each section will gather in smaller groups of 3-5 people. During a 90-minute (or so) session, a participant will deliver their presentation and will also thoughtfully critique their colleagues’ presentations (guided, of course, by the section instructor who is present). Each participant is expected to attend one microteaching session in each two-week period.

The two week timeframe allows the instructor flexibility in scheduling all of their section’s small groups. During the regular workshops, each instructor will announce plans for scheduling these sessions.

Besides the KTCP, MIT graduate students may apply to participate in Grad Teaching Development Tracks, which are shorter in length (only 2-3 workshops per track). Upon completing each track, participants receive a letter of completion. Participants who complete all four workshop tracks can also receive a Teaching Certificate, equivalent to that earned through the KTCP. 

We also host several events and workshops that are not associated with a certificate program. To learn more about these events, sign up for our newsletter.

The KTCP has two goals:

1. to prepare future faculty for teaching outside of MIT and
2. to provide training for current MIT instructors and TAs.

We are also committed to providing equal space for both graduate students and postdocs and we work to provide applicants an opportunity to participate in the program before leaving MIT. In a given semester, the primary criterion in our selection process is how many opportunities applicants have to participate in the program (e.g., final year grad students or postdocs). We also consider (though at a lower level): applicants with teaching appointments, applicants who are on the faculty job market, applicants who have previously applied for the KTCP, and alignment of applicant’s stated goals with the program outcomes.

Applications are not selected on a first-come, first-served basis.

The application collects basic contact information, information about your appointment at MIT, and information about any forthcoming teaching commitments you have. The applications also includes the following two short-answer questions with a 1500 character limit.

• Describe your teaching responsibilities in the next two semesters. (Only shown if applicable)
• What are two teaching practices or skills you hope to learn by completing this program?

The KTCP is offered every fall, beginning in September, and every spring, beginning in February. The schedule for the current session is shown above. The schedule of following sessions will be determined about four months before the session begins.

No, KTCP is not a credit-bearing subject and you do not receive a grade at the end. Completion is determined by attendance and completion of required homework. The program does not appear on your transcript, but upon completing the program you will receive a certificate from TLL and a letter from the Vice Chancellor attesting to the work you have done.

No, there is no fee to apply or enroll in the KTCP.

For each workshop, there are pre-workshop readings and tasks, as well as post-workshop assignments. You should plan to spend at least one hour preparing materials (reading and completing preparatory tasks) before each workshop. You should also plan to spend at least one hour to complete and upload each post-workshop assignment.

In order to complete the program and receive a certificate, you must attend all workshops, participate in both microteaching sessions, and submit all required post-workshop homework assignments, including two microteaching reflections.

Workshops are practice-based and interactive. If you miss an in-person session, it is difficult to compensate for these experiences. If you miss more than 3 in-person workshops, you will be asked to leave the program and rejoin in the following semester.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate non-MIT participants at this time.