Apply for a Fellowship
Application Timeline
Apply early to find out if you advance to the preliminary round. Submit a resume, unofficial transcript (s), and contact information by one of the application window deadlines.
- Preliminary Round Essay Due: January 16, 2026
- Quarterfinalist Video Submission: February 17, 2026
- Semifinalist Group Interview: Saturday, April 11, 2026
- Finalist Individual Interviews: May 3 – 19, 2026

Improving Classroom Instruction
In years one and two of the Fellowship, Fellows will examine their classroom as a system, identifying its components, interactions, and connections to broader systems like policies, curriculum, and cultural values. They will reflect on their own identities as teachers and learners, considering how their beliefs and actions shape student experiences.

Leading for Change
In years three and four, Fellows will build on their understanding of classrooms as systems and extend their leadership beyond individual practice. They will engage in collaborative inquiry with colleagues, analyze the influence of broader systems and policies, and identify leverage points for creating more equitable learning environments.
Selection Criteria
We are seeking teachers who demonstrate deep content knowledge, a strong commitment to professional growth, the ability to cultivate inclusive, student-centered classrooms, and the capacity to lead and collaborate in service of lasting educational impact.
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We seek teachers who demonstrate a strong, current understanding of core concepts and key skills within their discipline. Effective teachers have deep foundational knowledge across a breadth of topics and display flexibility in how they approach problems, understanding multiple perspectives and solutions. They see content as dynamic and evolving, critically engaging with its social and historical context. They seek connections between concepts, value complexity in even basic topics, and display perseverance in problem-solving. They are motivated and committed to deepening their own understanding of their discipline.
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Commitment to Teaching and Professional Growth reflects a teacher’s dedication to the challenging and evolving journey of teaching high school math or science. Well prepared teachers have taken important steps (both formal and informal) to understand the teaching profession and have experiences teaching and working with learners. Effective teachers seek out ongoing professional development activities that advance their knowledge and skills, recognizing that becoming effective requires time, effort, and ongoing reflection, as they strive to understand and adapt to the needs of their adolescent students. They actively seek feedback, reflect on their teaching practices, and apply insights to enhance their effectiveness, willing to learn from both successes and setbacks. This commitment contributes to a dynamic, responsive teaching practice that is adaptive to evolving educational needs.
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We seek teachers with a strong grasp of content-specific teaching methods who can engage students in meaningful learning. These teachers can recognize strengths in and set high expectations for all learners. They cultivate classrooms where all students feel safe taking intellectual risks and engaging in deep learning. Effective teachers analyze student approaches and refine instruction to better support learners’ needs. They make content-focused decisions, prioritizing key concepts to create equitable and relevant learning experiences that respect each student’s unique background.
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Teacher Leadership involves a teacher’s ability to work effectively within teams, take responsibility, motivate others, and value diverse perspectives to build a sense of community and initiate change beyond their classrooms. Teacher leaders support collective learning by inviting open dialogue, asking thought-provoking questions, and encouraging participation from all voices, especially those who are often marginalized. They actively seek and provide constructive feedback, fostering a culture of shared growth and reflective practice. Additionally, they work to build connections and networks that benefit both students and colleagues. Teacher leaders embrace challenges and develop realistic visions for improvement that extend beyond their own classrooms. By empowering others to lead, they contribute to a sustained positive impact within the educational community.