2026 International Collaborative Writing Groups (ICWGs) Academic Track | Call for Co-Leaders

Structured as intentional collaborations that bring together ISSOTL members of all ranks and regions in focused inquiry, International Collaborative Writing Groups (ICWGs) embody the spirit and work of ISSOTL. The 2026 ISSOTL ICWG-Academic Track will spotlight the multidisciplinary SoTL community’s potential for advocacy within higher education and support the development of collaborative, international scholarship that contributes to SoTL literature.

We invite applications from current ISSOTL members to co-lead the 2026 ICWG initiative. Co-Leaders for this effort will facilitate a collegial process that supports international SoTL collaborations and generates new scholarly work for potential publication in Teaching & Learning Inquiry (TLI), ISSOTL’s journal. We plan to select two to three individuals to serve as Co-Leaders. This volunteer position is an exciting leadership opportunity for ISSOTL members who are:

• Passionate about the potential of the field,
• Committed to collaborative SoTL and eager to work with, support, and/or mentor a diverse range of scholars,
• Interested in supporting writers working toward collaborative SoTL publication,
• Committed to working in and facilitating international partnerships, and
• Excited to coordinate a research project across different institutions.

See below for details about the ICWG, including the roles and responsibilities of Co-Leaders, the timeline, and the selection process. For further information, see the ICWG pages on the ISSOTL website, and view our collection of video interviews with former ICWG participants.

AIMS AND OUTCOMES

The aims of the ISSOTL ICWG-Academic Track are to:

• Build the capacity of participants to work and write in international collaborative groups, and
• Contribute to the literature on a range of SoTL topics from international perspectives.

CO-LEADERS’ ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Co-Leaders will organize the ISSOTL ICWG-Academic track to meet the project’s aims and deadlines, in partnership with the ISSOTL Publications Committee, ISSOTL Board, and Teaching & Learning Inquiry.

The Co-Leader role is a 2-year commitment, beginning in late 2025 and concluding in late 2027. This involves coordinating activities before, during, and after the in-person ISSOTL26 conference (late October 2026). Co-Leaders will need to secure their own funding and travel arrangements to facilitate the in-person writing workshop, which occurs immediately before the ISSOTL26 conference in Saskatoon, Canada. Co-Leaders will be responsible for the following:

Before the ISSOTL26 conference

• Consult with ISSOTL and the Teaching & Learning Inquiry Editorial team to familiarize themselves with processes and timelines (late 2025).
• Organize separate calls for Group Facilitators and Group Participants (early 2026).
• Select Group Facilitators and Group Participants.
• Help facilitators and groups to think broadly and creatively about writing and publishing in SoTL.
• Support Group Facilitators and Participants in planning and starting their projects remotely ahead of the pre-conference, face-to-face working session (early 2026).
• Plan all aspects of the pre-conference face-to-face meeting with Group Facilitators and Group Participants.
• Liaise in advance with local conference organizers for the ISSOTL26 location regarding venue and resources for the face-to-face meeting.

During the ISSOTL26 conference

• Facilitate all aspects of the pre-conference (tentatively, October 25-28, 2026) face-to-face writing workshop with Group Facilitators and Group Participants.

After the ISSOTL26 conference

• Work with Group Facilitators throughout 2027 to support the continued development and preparation of manuscripts for submission to TLI (including providing feedback on the project).
• Encourage groups to submit and present their work at ISSOTL27.
• Report to and consult with TLI and the ISSOTL Board.

SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA

Co-Leaders ideally will represent diverse institutions and countries, and collectively demonstrate the experience and skills needed to lead the initiative successfully. Applicants may apply individually or jointly (identifying a partner is not required).

CRITERIA: ICWG Co-Leaders will be selected based on the following:

• Evidence of a sustained or growing interest in SoTL.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively coordinate and motivate group efforts, particularly diverse groups (ICWG groups will be made up of faculty, staff, and students from different nations, disciplines, identities/backgrounds).
• Competence in organizational skills and time management.
• Enthusiasm for leading an ISSOTL initiative.
• Some experience in providing constructive, editorial feedback on SoTL research and/or mentoring support during the writing process.

APPLICATION: Please submit the following:

• Provide details on how you meet the above criteria and expectations (maximum 3 pages).
• Include a brief CV (maximum 5 pages).
• Email the above to Erin Fay at efay4@gmu.edu by November 14, 2025. Please put “ISSOTL ICWG Co-leader” in the subject line.

Co-Leaders will be recommended by the ICWG Working Group, approved by the ISSOTL Board of Directors, and notified via email by November 30, 2025.