Programs & Services
Deepen your practice.
Our programs and services are designed for Northwestern instructors across all schools who teach or support undergraduate and graduate courses, including tenure and teaching line, full and part-time, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, early-, mid-, or later career. All members of the Northwestern community, including staff and administrators, who are interested in engaging with topics in learning and teaching are welcome to participate in any of our offerings.
Services
Educational developers at the Searle Center engage in meaningful conversations with individuals and small groups and collaborate with departments and programs to explore innovative strategies, address challenges, and catalyze transformative educational experiences.Graduate Student and Postdoc Opportunities
Explore pedagogical and professional development opportunities—a one-stop-shop for grad students, postdocs, and their advisers to envision how educational development compliments degree programs and responsibilities.
Professional Development Opportunities for Graduate Students and Postdocs
Applications Now Open for 2026–2027!
Enhance your skills as an educator and make a meaningful impact on learning and teaching in higher education.Our yearlong learning communities for graduate students and postdocs provide guided pedagogical and professional development that builds confidence in the classroom and strengthens preparation for the academic and non-academic job market.
Reflective & Effective Teaching (RET) Certificate Program
RET is a cohort-based learning community for graduate students and postdocs from any discipline who want to improve student learning through reflective, evidence-based teaching. Participants engage with peers and facilitators to thoughtfully develop their teaching practice.
Learn more and apply by June 15.
Reflective Teaching Guides (RTG)
$3,000 stipend
RTGs support RET participants by facilitating reflection and discussion while engaging in their own professional development. Guides meet twice per quarter and gain experience applying evidence-based teaching practices in a collaborative learning community.
Learn more and apply by June 15.
Graduate Teaching Fellows (GTF)
$3,000 stipend
GTFs develop pedagogical expertise and leadership through this prestigious fellowship. Fellows work with a cohort of peers and mentors to develop or sustain initiatives that enhance learning and teaching in their home departments or programs.
Learn more and apply by June 15.