Participation in the PDP requires an application and acceptance into the program. The selection criteria for the PDP include a constellation of factors, including (but not in order of priority):
Interest in developing teaching and professional skills; in particular, an openness to reconsidering assumptions and/or past experiences with teaching, mentoring, and learning
Interest in and openness to the PDP's unique aspects and approach
Availability of applicant to make a commitment to the full PDP experience
Schedule availability and disciplinary match with an appropriate teaching venue
Potential of applicant to become a member of the UCO/ISEE community in the longer term, ideally returning to the PDP in leadership roles in the future
Affiliation with a discipline and/or institution associated with one of the PDP’s funding sources
Some financial support for participation in the PDP is beneficial, but is not absolutely required
Application deadline: Friday, Dec 17, 2025
Applicants notified of selection: mid January 2026
Part 1 - Application Form
The application asks for general information about who you are, your field of study and year in your program or current position, and your interest in teaching and the PDP approach.
The application also asks you to identify the teaching teams and sites that you are most interested in working at next year. This is required for all applicants. Please review the likely teaching sites and teams for the 2026 PDP, referencing the team numbers and teaching sites names in the application. UCO/ISEE staff will do their best to place you with one of your desired teams/sites. Team placement is based on a number of factors including: content background, availability, and skills.
Part 2 - Cost Planning
UCO/ISEE provides many fee waivers as well as travel support for participating in the PDP. However, many research grants, advisors/PIs, departments, and other funding sources can support professional development or training activities and associated travel. Please consider whether you have access to such external funds to support your participation in the PDP (entirely or in part).
Costs should not deter you from applying to the PDP, and if required, you may apply for an award from UCO/ISEE. We cannot guarantee financial support for all participants, but we would like to support as many participants as possible.
Review the 2026 PDP Program Cost Summary page to fully understand the costs associated with participation in the PDP.
Use the Cost Planning Worksheet to help you to create a budget for PDP participation and determine any request for UCO/ISEE funding. The worksheet will also help you complete the Cost Planning Form (also required), which helps us to aggregate applicants' funding information and requests.
The priority deadline is December 17, 2025.
You may want to review the frequently asked questions (FAQs) page.
If you are a returning participant applying to be a PDP Team Lead, please contact Anne Metevier at metevier@ucsc.edu.