Teaching Experiences and Values That Drew Us In

Many of us came to SoTL through personal and professional turning points—moments where our passion for teaching, equity, and reflective practice pushed us to look for something more. SoTL wasn’t always the first stop on our academic journey, but it became the place where our values found voice.

Mentorship and Collaboration

Mentorship—both formal and informal—came up repeatedly as a transformative force. Whether it was being invited into a project, receiving support from an experienced colleague, or collaborating through writing groups, these connections grounded us and helped bridge the gap between our initial curiosity and sustained engagement with SoTL.

Moments that Sparked Our Engagement with ISSOTL

Several reflections pointed to specific events or opportunities that helped us connect more deeply with ISSOTL: attending a conference, joining a collaborative writing group, or encountering a theme that resonated with our own values.

Belonging Grows Over Time and through Connection

While our starting points varied, many of us described a growing sense of belonging over time—especially through collaborative work and repeated involvement in conferences and working groups. These professional interactions provided not only validation and inspiration but also created opportunities for shared learning and growth.

Barriers to Belonging Still Exist

Our reflections also included our perspectives on barriers to belonging in SoTL and ISSOTL. Some of us reflected on the challenges of finding our place—especially for teaching-focused faculty, those in STEM disciplines, or those navigating institutional structures that don’t always value SoTL work.

International Collaboration and Global Perspectives in SoTL

Our reflections spoke to the importance of international collaboration and the role of global perspectives in shaping our SoTL practices. Many of us have engaged in international projects, conferences, and institutional partnerships. These international experiences allowed us to work with colleagues who brought diverse cultural, academic, and pedagogical perspectives. This aligns with the inclusive and cross-contextual nature of SoTL, which values diverse voices and experiences across cultural boundaries.