Erin Furtak Takes Charge as Interim Director at CU Boulder

Professor Erin Furtak has been appointed interim director of CU Boulder’s Center for Teaching and Learning, effective August 3, 2026. She will hold the position for a nine-month term as an interim, during which she will bring a wealth of experience in teaching, academic leadership, science education and faculty development. Her appointment also highlights the growing contribution of women leaders in education to academic leadership and teaching excellence.

Erin replaces Kirk Ambrose, who was appointed interim vice provost for academic planning and assessment recently. As part of her new duties, Erin will assist faculty in various disciplines to improve teaching skills and promote good teaching.

Erin has a solid track record of academic leadership. She is currently the chair of the School of Education faculty governance committee, and in 2018–2021 was an associate dean of faculty. She has also had leadership opportunities outside of the university, in national and international science and STEM education organizations.

Key Highlights

• Erin Furtak has been appointed interim CTL director at CU Boulder
• She will lead the center for a nine-month interim term
• Erin succeeds Kirk Ambrose in the leadership position

She has served in the National Association of Research in Science Teaching, the National Academies of Sciences and the European Science Education Research Association. In these positions, she has participated in discussions related to science education, teaching, learning and academic growth.

Erin has also received widespread acclaim for his teaching work. She was awarded CU Boulder's 2025 Marinus Smith Teaching Award and the 2026 Best Should Teach Gold Award, as a testament to her impact on teaching and student learning. Her achievements highlight the impact of women’s leadership on teaching excellence and academic growth.

She is active in research and scholarship as well. In 2011, Erin was awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), considered the most prestigious award given by the U.S. government to young scientists and engineers. In addition she received a German Chancellor Fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.

She has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the Hewlett Foundation, and the Spencer Foundation for her research and partnership projects. Her scholarship is reflected in her books, book chapters, essays, journal articles and practitioner publications, and demonstrates her longstanding commitment to education research and practice.

In an official statement, Michele Moses, senior vice provost and vice chancellor for faculty affairs, commented that Erin is an accomplished teacher, scholar and academic leader, and noted her longstanding partnership with and advocacy for the Center for Teaching and Learning. Michele said he was confident Erin's experience would help the center and other faculty members.

Michele further pointed out that Erin has a good understanding of teaching and learning as well as a collaborative approach that can be of benefit to teachers all the way through their careers. With the ongoing mission of enhancing teaching excellence, Michele says that Erin will become a trusted source for faculty.

Erin will work as interim director and help teacher’s research effective teaching strategies and pedagogy in various subject areas. Her appointment combines her expertise in faculty leadership, education research, teaching excellence and academic collaboration.