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2013-2014 TAF Application Update

This past February, we received over 1200 applications for the 2013-2014 Fellowship. While pleased at the strong response, the large numbers have set us back in our timeline, and we are still in the process of ensuring that each application receives a fair and thorough review. Applicants should receive an email by no later than the week of April 22nd as to whether they are moving on to the next stage of the review. If applicants do not hear by that point, they may email us at TeacherFellowship@ed.gov. While only a very small portion of applicants will progress, we have been inspired to read about the great work of so many teachers around the country and the support they have garnered from leaders in their schools and professional communities. Thank you to applicants for sharing your stories with us.

If you are interested in receiving updates regarding the 2013-2014 Fellowship or applying for the 2014-2015 Fellowship, sign up for email notifications.

If you have questions regarding the Teaching Ambassador Fellowship program, please email teacherfellowship@ed.gov.  

"We have a set of amazing teachers each year who spend a year with the Department and help drive our policy discussion…I have come to rely on the Teaching Ambassador Fellows for their invaluable feedback and their ability to facilitate dialogue with teachers across the country." - Secretary Arne Duncan

In recent years, a strong spotlight has been cast on how important effective teaching is to dramatically improving education across America. With over three million public school teachers, America is fortunate to have many committed and highly effective instructors in our schools. These teachers understand better than anyone the rewards of public education, as well as the need for some dramatic improvements.

Teachers perform many vital leadership activities in classrooms and schools, but too often lack opportunities to contribute their knowledge to the development of education policy on a broader scale. The U.S. Department of Education designed the Teaching Ambassador Fellowship to enable outstanding teachers to bring their classroom expertise to and expand their knowledge of the national dialogue about education. In turn, Teaching Ambassador Fellows facilitate the learning and input of other educators and community members.

Mission: The Teaching Ambassador Fellowship is designed to improve education for students by involving teachers in the development and implementation of national education policy. The Fellowship seeks to:

• Create a community of teacher leaders who share expertise and collaborate with policymakers and leaders in the federal government on national education issues.

• Involve teachers in developing policies that affect the classroom.

• Expand teachers' leadership in policy at the national, state, and local levels.

Program Overview