Teaching Opportunities at MIT
- Teaching + Learning Lab: Workshops, seminars, and consultations related to teaching and learning.
- Kaufman Teaching Certificate Program: Free program offered twice a year to MIT postdocs and graduate students who wish to develop their teaching skills. It is very popular, and sessions typically fill immediately after registration opens.
- Office of Minority Education: Tutoring and facilitating opportunities may be available through the Tutorial Services Room.
- Engineering Communications Labs: Postdocs are hired and trained as Communication Fellows, who help their peers learn scientific writing, speaking and visual design.
- Independent Activities Period (IAP): Takes place at MIT each January. Postdocs are eligible to create and teach a session during IAP.
- Opportunities within your DLCI: Speak with your faculty supervisor or key contact to learn more.
Teaching and Postdoc Responsibilities
If you identify a teaching opportunity you would like to pursue, first discuss it with your department’s HR representative and with your PI. Additionally, postdocs with visas will need to consult the International Scholars Office before accepting a teaching opportunity.
Sponsored funding terms, fellowship terms, and visa requirements may affect your participation in teaching programs. Teaching activities with minimal time requirements may not pose problems, while formal programs that specify regular participation over weeks or months require careful evaluation and planning.
- Postdoctoral associates who are paid entirely from their supervisors’ sponsored research funds devote full-time effort to their research activities unless adjustments are made to their effort and appropriate approvals are in place.
- Postdoctoral fellows: Fellowship terms and supervisor approval will determine changes that can be made in the postdoc’s appointment.
See MIT Policies and Procedures 5.3.2 and 5.3.3 for more information on postdoc-related policies.
Updated October 1, 2024