FAQs

Applications for the 2026 Cohort will open in June 2025.

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.

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

Prospective applicants interested in teaching both math and science can apply. Knowles Fellows become part of a cohort of teachers focused on developing pedagogical and content knowledge in science or mathematics. During the application process, though, applicants will be evaluated in part on their knowledge of the content area they choose, and their reasons for choosing to teach that subject. As such, it is strongly recommended that applicants choose the content area that most closely aligns with their disciplinary strengths.

Individuals who are not citizens or who hold degrees from outside the United States are eligible for the Knowles Teaching Fellowship. However, they must be committed to teaching science or mathematics in U.S. high schools. 

No. If you are unable to accept a Teaching Fellowship for any reason, you must reapply the following year, if you still meet the eligibility requirements.

As part of the Teaching Fellowship, Knowles Teaching Fellows are required to: obtain a full-time, high school science or mathematics teaching position, participate in the Knowles community and adhere to Knowles policy guidelines. Fellowship responsibilities will typically require a time commitment of four to six hours per month, over and above the time spent in in-person meetings and preparing proposals to submit for benefits.

Teaching Fellows receive financial support in the form of stipends and grants throughout the year. Grants are available to cover classroom materials or professional learning experiences. Fellows can also apply for leadership grants to pursue efforts that will have a positive impact on education beyond their own classroom. In total, Fellows are eligible to receive more than $50,000 in financial support of the course of the five-year Fellowship. 

Aside from receiving financial support, Teaching Fellows are part of a network of like-minded individuals who share a dedication to science and mathematics education. Throughout the year, Fellows participate in the Knowles community via online workspaces. At Fall, Spring and Summer Fellows’ Meetings, Fellows are exposed to a variety of resources, curriculum materials, research, and experts in the field.

Teaching Fellows may choose to take coursework at a college or university, attend a workshop for teachers, or engage in an immersion experience. Additionally,  they often use their grant money to attend professional conferences or hire mentors who support them in their professional growth. Professional development activities depend on an individual’s interests and needs and will look different for each Fellow.

The Knowles community included more than 600 Fellows  in  over 40 states and  the District of Columbia.

No. The Fellowship is a professional development and support program for beginning teachers. It does not provide a teaching credential. Fellows are required to obtain a teaching license or credential in the state where he or she wishes to teach by Sept. 1 of the year in which the Fellowship would begin.

Fellows are expected to procure their own full-time high school teaching position. Often, your teacher education program will offer guidance in this process.

Fellows can teach at any U.S. high school, as long as science or mathematics is at least half of their teaching assignment. American schools abroad, high schools in U.S. territories and Department of Defense schools abroad are not considered U.S. high schools for the purpose of the Knowles Teaching Fellowship.

Knowles Teacher Initiative will consider a Fellowship suspended for up to one year, if you are actively searching for a teaching position and engaging in another appropriate activity in the teaching field, such as working as a substitute teacher or taking additional coursework. A Fellow will need to forfeit the Fellowship if they are not teaching full-time. 

After completing the Fellowship, Knowles Teaching Fellows become Senior Fellows who have the opportunity to remain involved in the Knowles community throughout their careers and be supported in ongoing leadership efforts. Senior Fellows are encouraged to remain involved with the Knowles Teacher Initiative in a number of ways, including designing and implementing professional development for Knowles Fellows, attending Knowles meetings and continuing to participate in our online community. Senior Fellows are eligible to receive support while pursuing National Board Certification. Additionally, they are eligible to receive grants that support activities that impact education beyond their own classrooms.