SoTL Scholars Co-op

 

Become a SoTL Scholar

The CTE, in partnership with the Office of the Vice-Provost for Research, is pleased to announce a new research opportunity for faculty: The SoTL Scholars Co-op.

Below are details for the 2025-2027 cycle. Pending funding decisions for a 2026-2028 cycle, dates below will be updated and new applications will be linked and active. Please check back!

 

• What is SoTL?

  SoTL is the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, a specific field dedicated to exploring the efficacy and impact of teaching and learning methods in higher education.

  The SoTL Scholars Co-op will collectively determing a SoTL topic of focus to research within their own teaching here at ETSU.

• Who can apply?

  Any faculty member at ETSU who meets other eligibility requirements (below) may apply.

  Applications are submitted individually; from the submissions, a diverse group of up to 5 Scholars will be selected to create the 2025-2027 Co-op.

  Eligibility Requirements:

  • 
    Tenure-track, promotion track, full professor, or continuous appointment position
  • Commitment to the full length of the program, including meeting on all set meeting dates (see below)
  • Active teaching responsibilities in both semesters of upcoming academic year cycle (2026-2027)
  • Commitment to working collaboratively with a diverse group of faculty interested in exploring teaching and learning in the college setting
• What SoTL topics can I choose from?

  Our SoTL topical categories are very broad, allowing the Co-op to ultimately refine their study to a meaningful focus.

  When you submit an application, you will be asked to rank-order the following topical categories, based upon your interest:

  • Assessment & grading
  • Active learning methods or strategies
  • Student motivation or engagement
  • Instructor behaviors

  You'll also be asked to explain why your top-ranked category interests you, and what might be happening in your own classes that piques your topical interest.

• What are the selection criteria?

  Submissions for the Co-op are received individually from interested faculty. From all submissions, a diverse group of 5 faculty will be selected.

  Selection for a diversified group will be based upon:

  • 
    Commonality of interest in SoTL topical category
  • Diversity of disciplinary representation
  • Diversity of seniority levels
  • Diversity of SoTL experience (from none to quite a bit)
• What will happen?

  Scholars will be announced before the end of the Fall 2025 semester.

  Work among the Co-op will commence in 2 phases, beginning with one Welcome meeting in December, with all other work completed from Spring 2026 through the end of Spring 2027 (approximately 16 months).

  Phase 1

  • Attend SoTL Welcome meeting for new Co-op (December, after classes end)
  • Work Group Intensive (early January, 2 days, blend of in-person collaborative & independent work)
  • Attend 3-4 Co-op meetings during the semester (TBD by Co-op)
  • Submit IRB proposal by May for Fall start to study

  Phase 2

  • Implement SoTL study in your class (Fall)
  • Collect & analyze data
  • Share process and any early results at our Celebration of Exceptional Teaching (February of next academic year)
  • Prepare to submit study for publication (and, optional, presentation)
  • Complete a survey about SoTL Scholars Co-op program
• What agreements must I make?

  2025-2027 applicants should be committed to attending the following sets of dates:

  • Tuesday, December 16, 2025: 2:00 - 4:00 (CTE Lounge) - Co-op Welcome Meeting
    • This Welcome meeting helps orient the team to one another and learn more about the steps of SoTL. The team will begin sharing topical interests.
  • Tuesday, January 6, 2026: 10:00 - 3:00 (CTE Lounge) - Co-op Intensive, Day 1
  • Monday, January 12, 2026: 10:00 - 3:00 (CTE Lounge) - Co-op Intensive, Day 2
    • The Intensive Days will include semi-structured guidance through the process of determining a narrowed topic of focus and developing a study around it. These Intensive Days will help the Co-op begin the work, but it is up to the Co-op to continue the work toward an IRB submission by May.

  In addition, selected Scholars must agree to:

  • Complete all phases with the Co-op
  • Share results in multiple ways:
    • Share early results at the CTE's Celebration of Exceptional Teaching (February, annually). NB: It is unlikely all team members will be available for this event's selected date, when announced. Team members should all assist with presentation development and those available to come may present.
    • Share about the SoTL Scholars Co-op experience and findings at their own department's meetings
    • Develop a beginning draft of at least one manuscript to submit for publication by May of concluding semester
      • Journal for submission is identified
      • Target date of submission is identified
    • Optionally: Submission of study for presentation at a conference

   

  In addition to the SoTL Scholars application, the applicant's department chair/unit head must complete a form supporting the applicant in this SoTL venture, including indicating agreement that time will be given to the applicant to share about the SoTL Scholars Co-op experience and study at a department meeting.

• What are the benefits of participation?

  There are multiple benefits for those participating in the Co-op:

  Stipends

  • A lead PI will be selected from the Co-op members, based on interest and experience. The lead PI will be responsible for follow-up meeting coordination and ensuring the Co-op's overall progress. For this additional workload, the lead PI will be awarded a stipend of $1500, distributed in 2 parts (after each Phase is successfully completed)
  • All other Co-op members receive a stipend of $1000, distributed in 2 parts (after each Phase is successfully completed)

  Additional Tangibles & Intangibles

  • Create and strengthen a community around SoTL with 4 other faculty from across ETSU
  • Collaboratively complete a research study that is ideally ready for submission to publish
  • Receive up to 2 books to support SoTL research and topical areas of interest
  • Receive recognition at the annual Celebration of Exceptional Teaching

Watch for new applications for 2026-2028, pending funding decisions.

Application Link & Email Memo to Send to Chair

 

Application for SoTL Scholars Co-op

Applications Due: Wednesday, December 3

 

Use this memo to send to your Chair to request support (includes link to the form they will complete):

 

Email Memo to Request Chair Support

Chairs Form Due:  Friday, December 5

 

Our SoTL Scholars Co-ops