ACT-STEM @ MTSU

We’re excited to invite faculty from across seven selected departments from the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS) to join the Advancing the Culture of Teaching in STEM (ACT-STEM) Faculty Learning Community, an initiative designed to strengthen teaching, build community, and create lasting, positive change across departments.

This unique opportunity offers:

Collaborative Growth: Join a community of change makers who share strategies, support each other, and shape the future of STEM teaching.
Inclusive Engagement: Faculty of all ranks and classifications are welcome. Your voice and perspective are essential.
Professional Learning: Participate in whole-group and small-group interdisciplinary and disciplinary meetings to explore and apply innovative teaching practices.

Commitment:

Members will engage in approximately 12 hours per semester, including monthly meetings, small-group sessions, and encouraged readings or surveys.

Compensation:

Participants will receive $625 per semester (total $1,250 for the academic year, Fall 2025 - Spring 2026), with opportunities to continue in future years of the four-year ACT-STEM project.

If you’re passionate about improving teaching culture and fostering meaningful collaboration, we’d love to have you join us!

For more information, contact Sarah Bleiler-Baxter (sarah.bleiler@mtsu.edu) or Alyssa Freeman (asf3x@mtmail.mtsu.edu), or visit act-stem.org/home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is ACT-STEM?

ACT-STEM stands for Advancing the Culture of Teaching in STEM. It’s a Faculty Learning Community within seven departments in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS) designed to bring faculty together to strengthen teaching, build community, and create lasting, positive change across departments.

Who can participate?

CBAS faculty from Aerospace, Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences, Mathematics, and Physics are welcome. For the first year of programing participants include tenure-track, non-tenure-track, FTTs, and adjunct faculty. In future years of the project, GTAs are welcomed to join. We value a diversity of voices, experiences, and perspectives.

What is the time commitment?

Approximately 12 hours per semester, which includes:

4 TRIOS meetings (~1 hour each)
4 small-group interdisciplinary or disciplinary meetings (~1 hour each)
Encouraged readings or brief project surveys (~2–3 hours total)

What is the compensation?

Participants receive $625 per semester, totaling $1,250 for the academic year (Fall 2025 - Spring 2026).

How long does the program last?

The initial term is one academic year, but ACT-STEM is a four-year project, and participants may be invited to continue in future years.

What will I gain from participating?

You’ll join a supportive community of faculty change makers, share strategies, and shape the future of teaching culture at MTSU. You’ll also gain valuable professional-learning experiences that can inform your own teaching and departmental initiatives.

How do I apply or express interest?

Simply reach out to:

Sarah Bleiler-Baxter — sarah.bleiler@mtsu.edu
Alyssa Freeman — asf3x@mtmail.mtsu.edu

Do I need prior experience with educational research or faculty learning communities?

No prior experience is required! ACT-STEM welcomes all faculty interested in reflective teaching, collaboration, and continuous improvement.