Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program

The Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program sends cohorts of U.S. K–12 school administrators to participating host countries for an intensive program to learn about the educational system in their host country and explore different strategies to prepare U.S. students with the skills and understanding necessary to address global challenges and succeed in a global economy.

Program Description

School administrators are key to preparing the next generation with the skills and understanding necessary to address global challenges and succeed in a global economy. Outstanding education leaders develop innovative approaches to issues most important in their communities, share best practices, and build global networks to drive change that benefits all students. Collectively, administrators have a significant multiplier impact as they reach thousands of students across schools and districts.

Fulbright Teacher Exchanges include roundtrip airfare, visa support, accident and sickness medical coverage, accommodations, and meals related to the travel portions of each program. Participants receive a stipend to offset costs related to their travel. The stipend is not intended to replace a participant's salary and will vary depending on the host country, duration of program, and other factors.

Timeline & Activities

Timeline

Applications typically open in December and close in February. Applicants can expect to be notified in the summer. Travel may take place during the fall, winter, or spring.

Program Activities

Cohorts travel to one of the participating host countries where they will engage in a series of enriching activities designed to highlight the strengths and strategies that local school systems use to address shared challenges. Activities will vary by country, but may include:

• Visits to public and private schools
• Presentations by non-governmental organizations
• Workshops dedicated to understanding the educational system
• Meetings with local education leaders, teachers, and students
• Cultural tours and activities

 

four school administrators facilitating a panel on a stage

 

Eligibility

The Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program is open to full-time school and district-level administrators at public, private (secular or faith-based), and charter schools in the United States, a U.S. territory, or within the Department of Defense Education Activity).

Applications are encouraged from administrators who demonstrate in their applications a commitment to remaining in the field of U.S. K-12 education following their participation in the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program.  

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program, the applicant must: 

• be a U.S. citizen who resides in the United States, a U.S. territory, or who works on a campus within the Department of Defense Education Activity;
• be a school and/or district administrator with five or more years of experience working as an administrator in a K–12 setting (eligible titles include, but are not limited to: principal, assistant principal, superintendent, assistant superintendent, dean, associate/assistant dean, head of school, director);
• be employed full-time* as a K–12 school and/or district administrator at a public, charter, private (secular and religious) school or district in the U.S., a U.S. territory, or within the Department of Defense Education Activity; and
• hold at least a master’s degree.

*Full-time employment as an administrator is defined as having 90% or more of contracted time spent in an administrative function, such as providing instructional leadership and developing, implementing, and evaluating district and school systems and policies.

 

four teachers in Singapore holding up Chinese calligraphy

Application

The application to Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools can be found on IREX’s Online Application System. The application includes sections to enter personal and professional demographics, education and certification information, language proficiency, and an opportunity to answer short essay questions about the applicant’s purpose and goals for participating in the program. The short essay questions prompt applicants to describe their reasons for applying, how their participation will enable them to benefit their school communities, how they define 'educational leadership', and what they think are the most crucial challenges facing currently their educational community.

Applicants should be prepared to submit a professional reference from their direct supervisor and/or a member of the school board in support of their application. If selected, applicants will need to submit a leave authorization form signed by their employer confirming that they can travel during the program's dates. This form will be provided to selected participants.

Selection Criteria

Participants for the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program are selected through an open, nationwide competition. 

In an effort to reflect the diversity of the United States and global society, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs programs, funding, and other activities encourage the involvement of U.S. and international applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. Opportunities are open to people regardless of their race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, geographic location, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Bureau is committed to fairness, equity, and inclusion.

When applications are received by IREX through the Online Application System, each application is screened for technical eligibility. After confirming that applicants meet the eligibility criteria, an independent committee of experts reviews the applications. The independent committee reads and reviews applications and makes nomination recommendations. The Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board approves all final nominations.

Additional consideration will be given to applicants who:

• work in high-need schools or districts, defined as having a student population that:
  • is of high socioeconomic need, especially where 40% or more qualifies for Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FARMS);
  • includes a significant representation of racial and ethnic minorities;
  • includes a significant representation of students with disabilities;
  • includes a significant representation of at-risk students and/or other under-resourced groups;
• have a record of service in the U.S. armed forces; and/or
• make clear that they commit to working the U.S. K–12 educational sector after completing the program.

All applicants will receive notification of a selection decision by email, whether they have been selected or not.