For 35 years, the nationally recognized Pedagogical Scholars (PS) Program (formerly the "Pedagogical Fellows (PF)" and "Teaching Assistant Consultants (TAC)" Program) has created a transformative community for top-tier graduate students deeply committed to teaching, scholarship and service.
Our scholars do more than refine their own skills; they develop and facilitate the training of incoming TAs across the entire university, creating a ripple effect of educational excellence in every discipline.
Giving Day support is critical to funding the $3,000 awards and ongoing professional development that define the PS Program experience. Join fellow alumni and supporters who understand the profound impact of exceptional teaching and pay it forward to the next generation of academic leaders. 
Pedagogical Scholars 2025
Testimonials
“The PS program gave me a sense of community on campus I was lacking during my PhD and contributed very positively to my mental health and personal development. It also helped me find my academic interests and allowed me to see a place for myself in academia - at a teaching institution and doing pedagogical focused research. I also credit my success on the job market with the support and resources I was provided through the PS program. I wouldn't have known half the things about best practices for job market materials, interviewing and negotiating job offers, if it hadn't been for the program.” – Natasha Glendening (PS, 2024)
“My career prospect completely shifted with the PF program to one focusing on educational development. I was provided connections with mentors and opportunities to present and meet others in the field through my experience with the PF program, leading even to the meeting with my current boss at IU Indianapolis. . . Almost everything I do at my current job originates from my experiences as a PF, ranging from consultations, workshops, webinars, graduate programming, Pedagogical Wellness programs I do for my FLCs, and SoTL activities.” – Boyun Kim (PF, 2023)
Pedagogical Fellows 2017
Impact Levels
- $250: Helps host a social networking event with alumni
- $500: Helps provide personalized professional development and career coaching
- $1,000: Helps us recognize a cohort of scholars with engraved award plaques
- $1,500: Helps send a Scholar to a professional development conference or symposium
- $3,000+: Helps sponsor one Pedagogical Scholar award
- Contact us if you are interested in program naming opportunities
Pre-Service 2007
Stay Connected
- Join the PFF (Pedagogical Friends Forever) Alumni Network on LinkedIn.
- Stay in community with fellow alumni across cohorts, building connections that extend well past the program.
- Celebrate successes by sharing teaching innovations, career milestones and scholarly achievements.
- Support career growth through job postings, calls for papers, fellowship opportunities and other resources.
- Stay connected to UC Irvine by mentoring current Scholars, guest speaking or contributing to ongoing programming.
- Exchange ideas and strategies about teaching, classroom challenges and innovations in higher education.
To discuss additional ways to support, please contact Duane Rohrbacher, J.D., Ph.D. at rohrbacd@uci.edu.
| Rank | State | Gifts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CA | 4 |
| 2 | AA | 0 |
| 2 | AE | 0 |
