Teaching

Teaching Fellows

The BBS program requires that each student fulfill one semester as a teaching fellow primarily in BBS Core and Elective Courses. Teaching is a highly transferrable skill that BBS believes to be central to the role of a scientist in society. Pedagogy (the strategies and techniques or “art” of teaching) allows the communication of scientific concepts, principles, methods and details for the training of others. Teaching is also a powerful vehicle to offer mentorship and encouragement to others. 

Please refer to the Teaching Fellow Policy below. For more information on past TF requirements, please reach out to Deidre Duckett.

Teaching Fellow Policy Entering Year 2026

Teaching Fellow Policy Entering Year 2026

TF Training

All BBS first time TFs are required to participate in a preparatory short course in pedagogy prior to their service; more specific information is forthcoming. In the meantime, Harvard-wide teaching fellow information can be found below. 


New Teaching Fellows & Assistants Training Site

The Education Innovation & Scholarship (EIS) team offers TF & TA training to support HMS Graduate Education Teaching Assistants and Teaching Fellows in developing core skills in teaching, facilitation, assessment, and student engagement. 

 All new TF & TA training content is now hosted on a new dedicated Teaching Fellows & Assistants Training Site, featuring:

  • Asynchronous modules for flexible, year-round access
  • Live trainings offered each August and January (August dates are published and open for registration)
  • Training topics and resources including:
  • Teaching team foundations
  • Assessment and feedback
  • Active learning strategies
  • Inclusive facilitation across differences
  • Canvas Foundations
  • Additional teaching tools resources
     

Training for all BBS Students TFing in the 2026-27 year are expected to attend TF training in August and are urged to participate in the LIVE trainings (vs. the asynchronous trainings).  Please see this Canvas site for the August 2026 dates and registration. 


**All students who are TFing for their requirement in any given year are required to submit the TF Training Verification Form to the BBS office confirming training completion. 

 

Resources

The Bok Center assists faculty in designing courses and syllabi, in developing classroom presence, and in exploring evidence-based strategies to promote learning.

The Bok Center offers workshops to provide training and practice for PhD students and instructors, both new and experienced, on topics in teaching, learning, and communication. Find upcoming workshops and register.

Bok Center Resources

 

MCB LifeSci (LS) TF Job Posting Site

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) LifeSci(LS) TF job posting website posts positions on their website: https://www.mcb.harvard.edu/job-opportunities/teaching-positions/
 

CATS

CATS is the Central Application for Teaching Sections, which is where graduate students can find Teaching Fellow opportunities in select undergraduate courses in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

Please note that this website is not all-inclusive.  There are some opportunities posted here.  We still suggest that BBS students look for opportunities by:

  • Contacting course directors they are interested in working with
  • Looking for opportunities on departments on interest websites for postings
  • Contacting departments of interest staff to inquire about available opportunities  

Teaching Questions