The Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (FTEA) is proudly sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State, as an integral component of the broader Fulbright Program, named in honor of Senator J. William Fulbright. This initiative is dedicated to fostering mutual understanding between the people of the United States and educators from 62 diverse countries. Designed for approximately 180 secondary school teachers, the Fulbright TEA Program offers a unique six-week non-degree, non-credit academic opportunity at a U.S. University. This program aims to empower participants by enhancing subject expertise, refining teaching skills, and deepening their understanding of the United States.
Scheduled for either January 2025 or September 2025, the Fulbright TEA program exposes international participants to academic seminars covering innovative teaching methodologies, student-centered learning, content-based instruction, lesson planning, and instructional technology. Additionally, teachers requiring extra English language practice will receive intensive instruction. A 40-hour practicum with a U.S. partner teacher in a secondary school near the host university immerses participants in the U.S. classroom environment. Continuous support, mentoring, and cultural enrichment are integral elements throughout the program.
Upon successful program completion, teachers are eligible to compete for small grants supporting essential teaching materials, follow-on training, collaborative projects between American and home schools, and other endeavors building on the exchange experience. The Fulbright TEA Program prioritizes the safety and security of participating teachers and their communities, especially considering potential adjustments in response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic or other emergencies.
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must:
- Be full-time school teachers (6th to 12th grades) serving a primarily local population.
- Have completed at least five years of full-time teaching in English, English as a Foreign Language (EFL), Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, or Special Education.
- Reside and teach in India.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Be Indian citizens and residents.
- Be present in India during the application and interview process.
- Obtain a minimum score of 61 on iBT TOEFL or an equivalent English language examination.
- Demonstrate a commitment to continue teaching after program completion.
The Fulbright TEA Program encourages diversity and inclusion in the classroom and learning environment, particularly welcoming teachers with disabilities to apply. However, former participants of specific programs or individuals affiliated with certain institutions are ineligible.
Provisions of the Fellowship: The fellowship includes J-1 visa support, pre-departure orientation in India, round-trip airfare, academic program fees, housing, meals, medical insurance, transportation to the practicum school, a daily allowance, baggage allowance, a workshop in Washington, D.C., and the opportunity to apply for alumni small grants.
Selection Process and Criteria: Fulbright TEA Fellows are chosen through a merit-based open competition, with criteria including demonstrated commitment to teaching, leadership potential, professional and educational experience, and the ability to collaborate internationally. The selection process involves interviews and TOEFL testing.
How to Apply: Applicants must submit an online application with supporting documents by the deadline of March 08, 2024. Online applications from Indian applicants are accepted exclusively, and paper applications will not be considered.
Program Timeline:
- March 08, 2024: Application Deadline
- Early April 2024: Screening of Applications
- End April 2024: Interviews and TOEFL Testing
- September 2024: Notifications of Finalists
- December 2024: Pre-Departure Orientation Cohort I
- Late January-March 2025: U.S. Program Dates Cohort I
- July 2025: Pre-Departure Orientation Cohort II
- September-November 2025: U.S. Program Dates Cohort II
Important: Applicants can apply for either the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (FTEA) Program or Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program for International Teachers (FDAI) during this competition cycle. Applying to both programs renders candidates ineligible, and any instance of plagiarism in the application results in disqualification.
