We’re looking for individuals with the potential to develop:
Content Knowledge for Teaching

The Knowles Teacher Initiative seeks Fellowship candidates who have exceptional content knowledge in the area they intend to teach and who also have the capacity and drive to develop the specialized content knowledge needed to carry out the work of teaching.

Exemplary Teaching Practices

The Knowles Teacher Initiative seeks Fellowship candidates who understand that teaching is highly complex, intellectually challenging work and recognize that, regardless of other experiences they may have had, it will take them considerable time and effort to become outstanding teachers.

Qualities of a Teacher Leader

The Knowles Teacher Initiative seeks Fellowship candidates who have the potential to become leaders who serve as agents of educational improvement for their students within their classrooms, schools, communities, and the profession.

Who is eligible to apply for a Knowles Teaching Fellowship?

Knowles Teaching Fellowships are intended to support beginning high school science and mathematics teachers in the United States. 2021 Fellowships will be awarded to individuals who:

• have the capacity and determination to commit to teaching as their primary career;
• have earned a degree in a major related to the mathematics or science discipline they intend to teach between 2011 and September 1, 2021;
• have earned or will earn a valid state teaching credential/certificate/license that enables them to teach mathematics or science in grades 9–12 in the United States no earlier than January 1, 2016 and no later than September 1, 2021; and
• will be entering their first or second year as teacher of record during the 2021–2022 academic year.*

* For the purpose of eligibility, we consider an applicant’s first year of teaching to be the first year in which they teach full time for the full academic year as the teacher-of-record.

If you have questions about eligibility, please contact us at apply@knowlesteachers.org.

What type of person is a good candidate for a Knowles Teaching Fellowship?

The ideal candidate has a strong background in science and/or mathematics, and is committed to teaching physics, chemistry, biology and/or mathematics to high school students in the United States. This Fellowship is not intended to support individuals who are pursuing teaching on a temporary basis, or as a stepping stone to another career. An ideal candidate can demonstrate leadership and achievement in past endeavors, has experience with adolescents and/or teaching, and can articulate his/her motivation for becoming a teacher. Please review the selection criteria for details.

Is the Fellowship need-based?

Knowles Teaching Fellowships are NOT awarded based on need (financial or otherwise), but rather on ability and promise.