Earthwatch Institute: Teach Earth- United States Fellowship Grant

Earthwatch Institute: Teach Earth- United States Fellowship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: EarthWatch Institute
Last Updated: January 20, 2026

Summary

The Earthwatch Institute's Teach Earth Fellowship connects K-12 teachers with scientists through immersive research expeditions. Celebrating 50 years, this program empowers educators to inspire students with hands-on environmental science experiences. Teachers gain confidence, collaborate with peers, and develop impactful curricula. The fellowship includes workshops, networking opportunities, and resources to enhance environmental education in classrooms. Participants return with renewed purpose, ready to engage their communities in conservation efforts.

Overview

Our Mission Earthwatch connects people with scientists worldwide to conduct environmental research and empowers them with the knowledge they need to conserve the planet. Teach Earth Extraordinary teachers know that inspiration is contagious. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earthwatch’s Teach Earth fellowship, we are proud to continue one of the nation’s few programs that embeds teachers with world-class scientists on active research expeditions. For five decades, this fellowship has empowered educators to bring cutting-edge environmental science into their classrooms, inspiring new generations of students. Depth of experience Teach Earth fellows gain confidence and a first-hand understanding of science as they conduct hands-on research in the field. Each project has been designed by a PhD-level scientist, who also leads lectures, trains teachers on data collection techniques, and shows how those data are used to answer hypothesis-driven problems. Teachers gain more in-depth access to scientists than through any other program, spending 7 to 14 days in the field together. Inspiration An Earthwatch expedition takes educators away from their everyday lives, out of their comfort zones, and into the natural world—where they not only bear witness to the impacts humans have on the environment, but where they can take meaningful steps toward saving threatened species and habitats. Humbled and inspired by nature and each other, Teach Earth fellows return to their communities with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. Resources All participants on a Teach Earth expedition are educators—peers who share your passions and frustrations, and who can be a valuable support network throughout your career. Each team also has a senior fellow who leads workshops and helps teachers translate their field experiences into lesson plans they can use in their own schools and communities. And after your expedition, you’ll have access to ongoing learning and networking opportunities through a private alumni Facebook group, a seasonal educator e-newsletter, and an annual webinar series.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Teach Earth QualificationsCurrent K–12 classroom teacher in the United StatesAvailable to travel for 7–14 daysPassion for educationInterest in environmental issues or how scientific research is conductedDesire to improve environmental or science educationEnthusiasm for collaborating with a team of teachers from diverse backgrounds and expertiseCommitment to engaging your students and community inside and outside the classroomAn individual may only receive two Teach Earth fellowships in their lifetime unless applying to return as a Teach Earth Lead Fellow.Teach Earth Lead Fellow Qualifications- In addition to all the above qualifications, Lead Fellow qualifications also include:Enthusiasm to lead a team of other K–12 grade teachers from diverse backgrounds and expertise.Past experience participating on an Earthwatch expedition.Experience successfully translating past Earthwatch expedition experience(s) into impactful classroom curriculum.Commitment during the Teach Earth expedition to organize a team blog and run five workshops on how to translate an Earthwatch experience back to the classroom and community (workshop curriculum and training provided in advance by Earthwatch).