About

By supporting experimentation, innovation, and evidence-based practices, the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning seeks to create transformational learning experiences for faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates in Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

Mission & History

Our mission includes:

  • discovering new and better ways to teach by partnering with faculty and students to catalyze creativity, experimentation and innovation
  • cultivating excellent instruction through effective training and support for faculty, graduate students and undergraduates in teaching and scholarly communication

History

The Bok Center was established in 1975 to enhance the quality of undergraduate education in Harvard College. Originally named the Harvard-Danforth Center (in recognition of the Danforth Foundation grant that funded the Center at the outset) it was renamed in 1991 to honor former Harvard President Derek Bok, an active supporter of the Center both during his presidency (1971–1991) and today. Traditionally, retiring Harvard presidents have had buildings named in their honor; President Bok is the first to have his name given instead to an organization. Harvard's continuing support of the Center in the years following its founding reflects a belief that research, teaching, and learning are compatible at the very highest levels.

Professor Robert Lue was named the inaugural Richard L. Menchel Faculty Director of the Bok Center in February 2013.

Annual Report

Annual report cover page.

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News

Take Your Teaching to the Next Level

Take Your Teaching to the Next Level

March 13, 2024

As scholars, we are always developing our research, but how do we think about learning and growing as teachers? This spring, an interdisciplinary group of ten PhD students explored frameworks for teaching development to consider this question and become more reflective and effective teachers in our Bok Seminar, Taking Your Teaching to the Next Level: Practice, Feedback, and Reflection.

Students in the seminar considered their own goals and questions they...

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Accessibility

The Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in our programs and activities.

If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about our programs,
please contact bokcenter@fas.harvard.edu or 617.495.4869 in advance of your participation.

 

Contact Us

50 Church St. Office

Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning
50 Church Street
3rd Floor
Cambridge, MA 02138-2901

125 Mt. Auburn St. Office

Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning
125 Mount Auburn Street
3rd Floor
Cambridge, MA 02138-2901

 

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Join Our Team

With over two dozen staff and more than one hundred undergraduate and graduate student fellows, the Bok Center is building a community of people dedicated to enhancing teaching and learning at Harvard. Don't miss your opportunity to find out how you can contribute to our mission!

See open positions