Impact of a teaching scholars program

Background Researchers employ various approaches to evaluate teaching scholars programs (TSPs). We interviewed secondary beneficiaries of the TSP. Method During an interview, TSP graduates identified individuals and/or groups whom they felt were affected as a result of their TSP participation. At least one individual from each type of these identified beneficiaries was interviewed. Quantitative results were summarized descriptively and qualitative comments coded through a consensus process. Results Thirty-six (88%) of TSP participants were interviewed. From their responses, 50 beneficiaries were interviewed. Sixty-eight percent of beneficiaries identified that, as a result of TSP, the scholars became better teachers and educational scholars and enhanced educational scholarship, programs, teaching, mentoring, and leadership in departments. Eighty-nine percent identified educational projects emanating from their contact with the scholar. Conclusion Beneficiaries validated that the TSP produced better teachers and scholars. The impact in scholarship validated the importance of completing a project as part of the TSP. TSP also enhanced networking and educational resources for departments.