About the program
The Teaching Accelerator Program (TAP) introduces academics to teaching at UNSW Sydney. This highly practical program connects new teaching staff with a community of peers to explore:
- What great teaching looks like
- Who our students are and what they need
- How to create positive learning experiences
- The importance of community for learning
- Where to start as a teacher at UNSW, including UNSW systems, processes and standards
Participants are connected with colleagues and a peer mentor, who provides support and guidance in a small peer group group called the Peer Orientation Development Support (PODS) group throughout the participant’s first year at UNSW. The PODS groups start each term and are an opportunity to connect prior to the TAP workshop.
Who should participate?
Combined track and EF academics new to UNSW Sydney who have teaching responsibilities should register for TAP. It is suitable for those new to teaching and experienced teachers who are new to UNSW. Any staff required to complete Foundations in University Learning and Teaching (FULT) as a condition of employment may register for TAP, which is a recognised alternative to FULT.
Canberra staff
Staff at the Canberra campus are still required to complete FULT. The TAP program is run in-person only at UNSW Kensington. If you are unsure which program is right for you, please contact the Academic Development Team at TAP@unsw.edu.au
Research staff and conjoints
Research-focused academics, postdoctoral researchers and research fellows are not required to do TAP, but may do Beginning to Teach (BTT) or FULT if they wish to develop their teaching. Conjoint appointments in the Faculty of Medicine & Health must do the C-Med Program. Conjoints are not required to complete TAP, however, are welcome to participate in TAP in addition to the C-Med Program.
Dates and Registrations
2025 Program dates and location
Term 1 dates:
- Wednesday 29th January (9.30am - 4pm)
- Thursday 30th January (9.30am - 4pm)
- Friday 31st January (TBC)
Registration
EOI for TAP T1 2025 is now closed. as we have reached capacity. If you have recently commenced teaching at UNSW and want to join this iteration, please email tap@unsw.edu.au to be added to the waitlist.
Future Pathways
After you have completed TAP, you may wish to explore other professional development options such as the Foundations of University Learning and Teaching Program (FULT) or Course Design Institute (CDI), please see here.
Testimonials
Frequently reported benefits by previous participants include:
- build confidence to get started at UNSW and know where to go to for questions
- exposure to rich exchange of ideas from colleagues of diverse disciplines and experiences
- receive peer feedback in a positive and supportive learning environment
- build ongoing connections and expand your network
“It was great! Lots of confidence building before starting at UNSW.” – TAP Alumnus 2025
"Excellent PODS leaders, clear tasks, good team to work with, loved the diversity of disciplines and experience" – TAP Alumnus 2025
"I gave the workshop a 5-star rating because the last three days have been truly inspiring. Participating in the teaching accelerator program has left me with a strong desire to elevate my skills as a lecturer and take my teaching to the next level. Moreover, as educators, we often emphasize the importance of building a sense of community for our students. However, the significance of fostering a community among lecturers is important as well. These three days were actually the first time since joining UNSW a few months ago that I truly felt part of a community. I was happy to connect with other lecturers, share experiences, and feel part of a larger group. Thank you for organizing the Teaching Accelerator Program. " – TAP Alumnus 2024
"My mind was changed about teaching." – TAP Alumnus 2024
"It is a great format and worked well, I got to feel like a student again" – TAP Alumnus 2024
Contact
Please email tap@unsw.edu.au, if you have further enquiries about this program.