Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program

Learn what this program's participants do, identify whether the program is right for you, how to apply, and how we select participants.

Join a global community of educators and prepare your students for the world.

The Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program provides an opportunity for K–12 educators from the United States to conduct research and engage in other professional learning experiences abroad for three to six months. Participants work on individual research projects on a topic relevant to education in the United States and the host country, take courses at a host university, and collaborate with colleagues on educational practices to improve student learning.

Explore examples of past Fulbrighters' research projects.

Program Description

Distinguished educators who are selected to participate in the program will:

  1. Design and implement a Research Project related to education in the United States and their host country.
  2. Build global networks of researchers, practitioners, and policy makers.
  3. Exchange ideas and best educational practices.
  4. Develop resources and tools that can be used long after the project ends.

Upon returning home, educators will be expected to share the knowledge and experience gained during the program with educators and students in their home schools and communities.

Learn more about what participants do and explore the participating host countries and territories: Brazil, Colombia, Finland, Greece, Iceland, India, Mexico, Morocco, Singapore, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and Vietnam.

Shea Wickelson, United States to Colombia 2021

Is this program right for you?

Are you an elementary, middle, or high school educator from the United States looking to grow your leadership skills; expand your access to global networks; inform research, policy, and practice; and promote mutual understanding?

Are you a curious, flexible, and independent learner? Do you have a demonstrated record of professional learning activities and leadership? Learn more about the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program and how to apply!

Learn more about the program

Elana Eisen-Markowitz, Ellie Walsh-Moots, and Vickie Crockett, United States to United Kingdom 2022

How to apply

The Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program is open to full-time elementary, middle, and high school educators who are employed at a public, private (secular or faith-based), or charter school in the United States, or within the Department of Defense Education Activity at the elementary, middle, or high school level (K–12).

Eligibility and application requirements

How we select participants

Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program participants are selected through an open competition. Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of experts according to a number of evaluation criteria.

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 participants 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.

Learn more about the selection process

Program Resources

Explore research projects completed by alumni of the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program.

Learn more by visiting the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs website.

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact FulbrightDA@irex.org.

I’ve always had a global view, but I wanted to push myself. It’s about having a more global perspectrive and being able to bring that back to your students and your community. Thinking big is important, even if you’re in a small town like me. One highlight of the Fulbright program was experiencing Chinese New Year celebrations with students and staff at Zhenghua Secondary School in Singapore.

John Miller, Social Studies Teacher, United States to Singapore

John Miller, Social Studies Teacher, United States to Singapore