Deadline: 07-Jan-2026
The Explorers Club Teaching Fellowship Program offers K–12 teachers a fully immersive, two-week expedition experience in summer 2026 as members of real scientific and conservation teams. Open to educators in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the fellowship integrates field-based research with classroom impact, with applications closing on January 7, 2026.
The Explorers Club Teaching Fellowship (TEC) Program is a competitive professional development opportunity that sends selected K–12 teachers on immersive scientific and conservation expeditions. The program is designed to bridge exploration and education by embedding educators directly into active research teams and empowering them to translate real-world discovery into classroom learning.
About the Teaching Fellowship Program
The TEC Teaching Fellowship enables educators to participate as full-fledged expedition team members rather than observers. Fellows collaborate closely with scientists and conservation professionals, contribute to fieldwork, and gain firsthand experience in exploration, research, and environmental problem-solving.
Programme Goals and Educational Impact
The fellowship is built around strengthening education through experiential learning. Key goals include:
• Integrating real-world exploration into K–12 classrooms
• Enhancing teachers’ scientific literacy and field research experience
• Supporting interdisciplinary learning across science, geography, and conservation
• Expanding the Explorers Club’s educational outreach through teacher ambassadors
What Teaching Fellows Do
Selected Teaching Fellows participate actively before, during, and after their expedition.
• Join a two-week expedition as an active research team member
• Collaborate with scientists and conservation experts in the field
• Earn professional development or continuing education hours
• Serve as Explorers Club ambassadors in schools and communities
• Develop lesson plans and host classroom or community visits inspired by their expedition
Expedition Experience and Past Examples
The fellowship emphasizes hands-on, place-based learning. In 2025, Teaching Fellows spent two weeks in Peru at the Boiling River, working alongside a geothermal scientist and gaining direct exposure to geothermal research and exploration. In 2026, some fellows will return to the Boiling River, while others may participate in new expeditions across different regions of the world, depending on project needs and opportunities.
2026 Fellowship Timeline
Expeditions will take place during summer 2026. Fellows are selected in advance to allow adequate preparation, training, and curriculum planning before deployment into the field.
Who Is Eligible?
The program is open to educators who meet the following criteria:
• Current K–12 classroom teachers
• Based in the United States, Canada, or Mexico
• Actively teaching during the application year
• Willing to integrate expedition learning into classroom instruction
Teachers from public schools and Title I schools are strongly encouraged to apply.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Many students never encounter real-world scientific exploration through their formal education. By placing teachers directly into expedition teams, the Explorers Club Teaching Fellowship strengthens science education, inspires curiosity, and helps students see themselves as future explorers, scientists, and problem-solvers.
How the Fellowship Works
The fellowship follows a structured process from selection to classroom impact.
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Teachers submit an application during the open call period.
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Selected fellows are matched with appropriate expeditions.
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Fellows participate in a two-week immersive expedition in summer 2026.
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After returning, fellows integrate their experiences into lesson plans, classroom activities, and community outreach.
Benefits of the Teaching Fellowship
Participants gain both professional and educational benefits.
• Immersive expedition experience
• Collaboration with leading scientists and conservationists
• Professional development or continuing education credits
• Access to a global network of explorers and educators
• Enhanced classroom engagement and curriculum relevance
How to Apply
Eligible teachers should prepare and submit their application through the official Explorers Club Teaching Fellowship application process before the deadline. Applicants should clearly describe their teaching context, interest in exploration, and plans to bring expedition experiences back to students.
Key Dates
Application deadline: January 7, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST
Fellow selection announced: Early April 2026
Expedition period: Summer 2026
Tips for a Strong Application
• Clearly explain how you will translate expedition experiences into classroom learning
• Highlight engagement with underserved or Title I student populations, if applicable
• Demonstrate enthusiasm for hands-on science, exploration, and collaboration
• Show readiness to act as an ambassador for exploration-based education
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Explorers Club Teaching Fellowship Program?
It is an expedition-based fellowship that places K–12 teachers on real scientific and conservation expeditions.
How long is the expedition?
Each Teaching Fellow participates in a two-week expedition.
Who can apply?
Current K–12 classroom teachers based in the United States, Canada, or Mexico.
Are public and Title I school teachers eligible?
Yes, and they are strongly encouraged to apply.
What do fellows do after the expedition?
Fellows bring their experiences back to classrooms through lesson plans, visits, and community engagement.
When will fellows be selected?
Teaching Fellows will be selected by early April 2026.
Conclusion
The Explorers Club Teaching Fellowship Program offers K–12 educators a rare opportunity to engage directly in scientific exploration and conservation research. By embedding teachers in expedition teams and empowering them as educational ambassadors, the program strengthens classroom learning, inspires students, and connects education with the spirit of discovery on a global scale.
For more information, visit The Explorers Club.
