The Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). It  seeks to promote mutual understanding among teachers, their schools and communities in the U.S. and abroad by:

• Building teachers’ and students’ global competence
• Sharing of best educational practices internationally

Participants in this three to six month program for U.S. teachers or four month program for international teachers may be based at university-level schools of education, research centers, or educational non-profit organizations. They take courses, lead master classes and seminars, visit local schools, collaborate with each other online and in person, and complete an inquiry project of their own design.

Where to Apply:

All applications must be submitted through the online application system.

If you are a U.S. teacher, you will apply through the Institute of International Education (IIE).

If you are an international teacher, you will apply through the appropriate Fulbright Commission, U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or other Fulbright partner organization in your home country.

Program Components:

• Enroll in advanced undergraduate or graduate level classes (academic support will be provided by a host institution advisor who will support the international teacher and help contribute to the design and activities of the project);
• Design and complete an Inquiry Project;
• Observe, team teach and/or conduct seminars or workshops in local schools for host country teachers and students;
• Engage in other teaching related activities.

As part of the program, Fulbright Distinguished Teachers:

• Study and observe international best practices in education;
• Share professional expertise with educators and students in the U.S.;
• Develop leadership skills and understanding of U.S. educational policy;
• Enhance their ability to work in diverse and multicultural environments.

Eligibility Requirements for International Applicants:

Current full-time elementary through high school teachers, guidance counselors, curriculum specialists, curriculum heads, Talented and Gifted coordinators, Special Education coordinators and media specialists/librarians are eligible to apply.

• Hold citizenship and be a resident in one of the participating countries;

• Hold a full-time teaching position;
  • For the purpose of determining eligibility, “full-time” refers to applicants who are currently employed full-time or who hold a combination of positions that add up to full-time equivalency in a school, school district or educational institution at the local, state/provincial or national level.

• Spend at least 50% of their time teaching or working directly with students;
  • Primary and secondary level media specialists/librarians, guidance counselors, Special Education coordinators and administrators who teach students at least fifty percent of their time may also apply to the program. In addition, teacher trainers from certain countries are eligible to apply.

• Have taught for at least five years;
  • At the time of application, teachers should be in their fifth year of full-time teaching. If selected, the year of the Fulbright exchange would be the teacher’s sixth year (or more) of full-time teaching. Teachers who are in their fourth year (or less) of full-time teaching at the time of application are not eligible.

• Demonstrate experience conducting professional development activities;

• Demonstrate accomplishment in teaching or have previously received teaching awards or exemplary evaluations;

• Possess a paper-based TOEFL score of at least 550 (213 computer-based TOEFL, 79 Internet-based TOEFL), or an IELTS score of 6.5;

• Meet current Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board policies for teachers from partner countries.

Grant Award

The grant covers program costs, including transportation, lodging, host institution fees and related expenses. Grantees will attend a mandatory program orientation in Washington, DC in August to help them prepare for their program. While abroad, grantees will receive a maintenance allowance designed to assist with the costs of living during the program. Grantees will have the opportunity to apply for professional development funds to support development and research or to cover the expenses of attending a conference or workshop related to their field of teaching expertise. Grantees will study at a host university or institution abroad and conduct an inquiry project related to their professional interests. Additional activities in local schools include opportunities to observe classes, team teach or conduct seminars or workshops.

The grant covers program costs, including transportation, lodging, host institution fees and related expenses. Grantees will attend a mandatory program orientation in Washington, DC in August to help them prepare for their program. While abroad, grantees will receive a maintenance allowance designed to assist with the costs of living during the program. Grantees will have the opportunity to apply for professional development funds to support development and research or to cover the expenses of attending a conference or workshop related to their field of teaching expertise. Grantees will study at a host university or institution abroad and conduct an inquiry project related to their professional interests. Additional activities in local schools include opportunities to observe classes, team teach or conduct seminars or workshops.

Official Link: http://www.fulbrightteacherexchange.org/getting-started

Deadline: December 1, 2016 for U.S Citizen and for international it varies by country.