The Graduate Teaching Scholar (GTS) Program at Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) aims to prepare doctoral students for academic careers by enhancing their teaching skills and building their confidence to become inspiring and well-rounded educators, mentors, and leaders. This presentation will outline the program's objectives, activities, and impact on participants. Through the GTS Program, students engage in experiences that accelerate their academic teaching career, which include one-on-one mentoring, participation in teaching-related conferences, conducting class observations to learn teaching practices, team teaching experiences, developing strategies to improve teaching, engaging with literature in the scholarship in teaching and learning (SOTL), and developing a SOTL research project. The program emphasizes preparing students not only for research excellence but also for effective and innovative teaching. GTS students graduate with clear evidence of teaching capabilities and experience at the university level, making them stand out in the job market as educators. This presentation will showcase reflections from current and former scholars, highlighting the program's role in building their confidence and competence in teaching, which are instrumental in their academic careers. Positive feedback from current and former scholars and the program's ongoing contributions to teaching scholarship underscore its value and impact. We will also delve into the published book collaboratively written by GTS scholars, Teaching in the University, which discusses insight and strategies for successful teaching, advising, and mentoring postsecondary students. By providing a structured and supportive environment, the program equips future educators with the necessary skills to excel in both higher education and industry careers. This presentation will highlight the value of the GTS program and suggest how other institutions can adapt similar models to foster teaching excellence in doctoral students across disciplines in agriculture and natural resources.