ABSTRACT
Non–tenure-track teaching faculty constitute an increasing number of faculty members at colleges and universities across the United States. Teaching faculty are, often, drivers of our curricula, the face of the faculty to undergraduate students and first-year graduate students, and integral parts of our departments and schools. Many colleges and universities have well-developed programs for early-career teaching faculty, including pedagogical learning communities, teaching-focused orientations, information on classroom management and educational technology, and other introductions to teaching and learning. Yet efforts to support and retain these faculty members at mid-career have been scattered. Some institutions adapt supports for tenure-track or research faculty to address the needs of teaching faculty. This chapter introduces a year-long program called the Mid-Career Mentoring Program, with two tools: (1) an application form and (2) program activities, including a kickoff meeting, two special Zoom sessions, and monthly sessions that are tailored to mid-career teaching faculty. The monthly meetings within Tool 2 are the heart of this program. This program aims to help these faculty members discover and cultivate their sense of purpose, consider their professional evolution and goals, explore their interests in pedagogical and curricular innovation, and develop their leadership potential within their organizations.
