Since its inception, the Faculty Fellows Program has offered a collaborative learning environment for Columbia University School of Professional Studies (SPS) faculty to engage in meaningful dialogue about pedagogy. The program, spearheaded by the Faculty Assessment and Development team, an extension of the Office's services was launched in fall 2023 and was designed to encourage and promote peer-to-peer learning and mentorship.
Supporting Faculty Through Peer Collaboration
Faculty Fellows are experienced SPS faculty who undergo rigorous training before inhabiting their role. They support their peers by providing formal and informal mentorship, observing classes, offering consultations, and facilitating discussions on best practices in teaching.
These discussion forums have covered topics like establishing community guidelines for courses, integrating AI in the classroom, using the library as a resource, and navigating difficult discussions.
Up to two Fellows are selected each semester, and six have served since the program was first launched. Currently, Mariana Pinos, lecturer in the M.S. in Strategic Communication program and Michelle Ashkin, instructor for Pre-College Programs, are serving as Fellows.
“Helping to foster a sense of community in my colleagues’ transition to Columbia has been incredibly rewarding,” said Pinos. “Through this program, I’ve gained valuable insight into the diverse programs and courses at SPS, which has deepened my understanding of how to support both faculty and students effectively.”
Expanding Professional Development Opportunities
While the program was initially designed to assist faculty members who needed additional support, it has since evolved to provide professional development opportunities for all faculty, regardless of their experience level.
“The motivation behind launching the Faculty Fellows Program was to expand faculty development services at SPS and create a peer-led model for continuous learning,” said Zachary Kornhauser, lecturer in the M.S. in Applied Analytics program and senior director of Assessment and Faculty Development. “By engaging with Faculty Fellows, instructors benefit from consultations, classroom observations, and faculty forums, which focus on topics relevant to pedagogy.”
This initiative aligns closely with the Pedagogical Lab, a 13-week intensive course in the foundations of effective instruction, where selected faculty immerse themselves in professional development before officially stepping into their roles.
“The goal is for the Faculty Fellows Program to become part of the standard for faculty development at SPS, much like the Pedagogical Lab,” explained Kornhauser.
As a current Fellow, Ashkin has found the program to have been both inspiring and gratifying.
“Working with a diverse group of faculty whose expertise spans a wide range of professional fields—and seeing the impact of their contributions on SPS students—has been extremely rewarding,” she shares. “Their appreciation of the support they receive through the Faculty Fellows initiative reinforces how important this program is.”
Impact and Faculty Testimonials
The Faculty Assessment and Development team has received positive responses from faculty who have participated in the program. Faculty members in the Enterprise and Risk Management (ERM) program, for example, have found the Faculty Fellows Program to be a particularly invaluable resource for enhancing their teaching, research, and professional development. Many have expressed appreciation for the program’s impact on their growth and effectiveness, as reflected in their own words:
- “I was able to validate specific learnings from the lab through the Faculty Fellow’s personal experience on a one-on-one basis using scenarios that I could implement for my classes immediately. This is an opportunity for other faculty members to take a practical situation that needs to be addressed and, with the Fellow’s suggestions, immediately implement, which has a great impact on enhancing our students’ learning environment.” Shahryar Shaghaghi, program director, M.S. in Technology Management
- “I recently had the opportunity to engage one-on-one with a Faculty Fellow to discuss a couple of the pedagogical challenges I’ve encountered as a lecturer in the ERM program related to student engagement. In a short period of time, I received very specific, practical, and actionable recommendations, which have had a tangible impact on my effectiveness as an instructor. This experience illustrates that whether someone is new to teaching or has many years of experience like myself, they benefit greatly by engaging with a Columbia Faculty Fellow.” Mike Leibrock, lecturer, ERM
- “After participating in the Faculty Fellow Program, I can strongly recommend it as a valuable resource for lecturers and a safe space to refine ideas, pick up new ones, and receive constructive feedback on teaching methods and tools. I was able to share thoughts on new techniques and approaches that I had been contemplating adopting in the classroom, and talking it through with the assigned Fellow helped bring things together. It was time well invested.” Harry Christodoulou, alumnus and lecturer, ERM
The Future of the Faculty Fellows Program
The program seeks to expand its reach by engaging more faculty across diverse academic programs while strengthening relationships with those already involved. “The Faculty Fellows Program is still in its early stages, having launched just over a year ago,” said Roya Heydari, senior associate director of Faculty Assessment. “We encourage faculty from all academic disciplines to participate.”
How to Get Involved
Faculty can participate by requesting a consultation or observation with a Faculty Fellow, or by applying to become a Faculty Fellow themselves, with applications extended to Pedagogical Lab graduates.
“New Faculty Fellows are encouraged to take initiative in connecting with colleagues, bring enthusiasm to discussions, and select topics aligned with their expertise,” said Heydari. “Emphasizing collaboration, learning, and teaching, they play a vital role in shaping professional development and enriching the SPS community.”
By fostering a supportive, peer-driven faculty network, SPS is ensuring that its educators continue to grow, innovate, and excel in their profession.
For faculty interested in engaging with the School and their peers, this initiative offers a unique opportunity for growth, collaboration, and excellence in teaching at Columbia SPS.
Contact the Office of Faculty Assessment and Development to learn more.
