Find your PEOPLE: Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) community of care

Abstract

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) is an integral academic practice that provides professional development opportunities for faculty and enhances students’ classroom learning experiences. However, institutions vary significantly in valuing and implementing a culture of SoTL, creating a discrepancy which prohibits educators from fully embracing the identity of a SoTL scholar. Acknowledgment of SoTL work in tenure and promotion guidelines is not as widespread across different institutions, which could deter junior/instructional faculty from entering (and staying in) the SoTL space. Various academic disciplines differ on how SoTL work is valued. Without an intentional institution-based SoTL initiative, many may regard SoTL merely as a side addition to their professional career.  However, SoTL is a field that systematically examines processes and practices in teaching and learning. It provides valuable insights and tools for teaching professionals to reflect on their teaching methods, explore evidence-based best practices, and transform student learning experiences. Research demonstrates educational benefits for students both as the primary beneficiary of SoTL and as active student partners in SoTL initiatives. Therefore, considering its nature of enhancing classroom experiences, SoTL is applicable to all teaching professionals, regardless of the respective institutional policies or narratives around it. The future of SoTL programming/initiatives should build on the idea that SoTL is not a one-time project; instead, it should weave in the intersections of teaching and research identities, and in response, create a SoTL community of care that focuses on continuous improvement and mutual support. Dissemination of SoTL should be an open invitation to all teaching bodies so that the SoTL scholar identity is embraced as one of their core professional identities. This article concludes by proposing a PEOPLE framework for the SoTL community of care.