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The application for the 2027 Teaching Fellowship is now open!

The Knowles Teaching Fellows Program is a four-year program that supports early-career, high school mathematics and science teachers in their efforts to develop teaching expertise and lead from the classroom.

2027 Knowles Teaching Fellowship Application Timeline

  • Quarterfinalist Video: Can begin as soon as you are notified you are a Quarterfinalist, and are due no later than February 16, 2027
  • Semifinalist Group Interview: Saturday, April 17, 2027
  • Finalist Individual Interviews: April 26 – May 14, 2027*
  • Fellowship Awarded: Early July 2027
  • First Fall Cohort Institute Meeting: October 8-9, 2027 in Moorestown, NJ

*Finalists will need 2 references in order to participate in the individual interviews.

If you have any questions about the application please reach out to us at apply@knowlesteachers.org.

Eligibility – 2027 Cohort

High School Teacher

Be a high school math or science teacher entering your 1st, 2nd or 3rd year of teaching in September 2027.

Committed to the Profession

Be committed to teaching grades 9 – 12 in the United States.

Content Degree

Strong current content knowledge in physics, biology, chemistry, or mathematics, typically represented with a degree within the last 10 years or a degree and significant content work experience.

Selection Criteria

We are seeking teachers who demonstrate deep content knowledge, a strong commitment to professional growth, the ability to cultivate inclusive, student-centered classrooms, and the capacity to lead and collaborate in service of lasting educational impact.

  • We seek teachers who demonstrate a strong, current understanding of core concepts and key skills within their discipline. Effective teachers have deep foundational knowledge across a breadth of topics and display flexibility in how they approach problems, understanding multiple perspectives and solutions. They see content as dynamic and evolving, critically engaging with its social and historical context. They seek connections between concepts, value complexity in even basic topics, and display perseverance in problem-solving. They are motivated and committed to deepening their own understanding of their discipline.

  • Commitment to Teaching and Professional Growth reflects a teacher’s dedication to the challenging and evolving journey of teaching high school math or science. Well prepared teachers have taken important steps (both formal and informal) to understand the teaching profession and have experiences teaching and working with learners. Effective teachers seek out ongoing professional development activities that advance their knowledge and skills, recognizing that becoming effective requires time, effort, and ongoing reflection, as they strive to understand and adapt to the needs of their adolescent students. They actively seek feedback, reflect on their teaching practices, and apply insights to enhance their effectiveness, willing to learn from both successes and setbacks. This commitment contributes to a dynamic, responsive teaching practice that is adaptive to evolving educational needs.

  • We seek teachers with a strong grasp of content-specific teaching methods who can engage students in meaningful learning. These teachers can recognize strengths in and set high expectations for all learners. They cultivate classrooms where all students feel safe taking intellectual risks and engaging in deep learning. Effective teachers analyze student approaches and refine instruction to better support learners’ needs. They make content-focused decisions, prioritizing key concepts to create equitable and relevant learning experiences that respect each student’s unique background.

  • Teacher Leadership involves a teacher’s ability to work effectively within teams, take responsibility, motivate others, and value diverse perspectives to build a sense of community and initiate change beyond their classrooms. Teacher leaders support collective learning by inviting open dialogue, asking thought-provoking questions, and encouraging participation from all voices, especially those who are often marginalized. They actively seek and provide constructive feedback, fostering a culture of shared growth and reflective practice. Additionally, they work to build connections and networks that benefit both students and colleagues. Teacher leaders embrace challenges and develop realistic visions for improvement that extend beyond their own classrooms. By empowering others to lead, they contribute to a sustained positive impact within the educational community.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will applications open for the Teaching Fellowship?

The application for the 2027 Cohort is now open and will close January 19, 2027. We offer three application windows between now and January 2027, but applicants may apply only once.

What type of person is a good candidate for a Knowles Teaching Fellowship?

The ideal candidate has a strong background in physics, chemistry, biology, or mathematics, and is committed to teaching high school science or mathematics in the United States. This Fellowship is not intended to support individuals 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 their motivation for becoming a teacher. Please review the selection criteria above for details.

Is the Knowles Teaching Fellowship only for certain subjects? Or can any STEM teacher apply?

The Knowles Teaching Fellowship program is for high school math and science teachers. While you can teach any high school math or science course, we look for teachers with strong content knowledge and degrees in physics, biology, chemistry, or mathematics.

Is a Teaching Credential Required for the Fellowship?

No, you do not need a teaching certificate or credential to apply for or participate in the Knowles Teaching Fellowship program.