The Knowles Science Teaching Foundation supports excellence in science education by offering competitive fellowship programs for science teachers across the United States.
Background on the Knowles Science Teaching Foundation
The Knowles Science Teaching Foundation (KSTF) was established in 1988 by former GE executive Robert J. Knowles through a generous endowment. Their mission is to promote student interest and achievement in science through innovative initiatives that support skilled and passionate K-12 science teachers. Over the past three decades, KSTF has invested over $100 million to develop programs that encourage excellence in science education.
Some of KSTF’s most noteworthy efforts include:
Professional Development Seminars
KSTF organizes residential summer seminars led by expert scientists and educators on topics ranging from environmental science to emerging technologies. These intensive seminars provide teachers with in-depth scientific knowledge and hands-on lab activities to strengthen their curriculum. To date, over 2,000 teachers have participated in KSTF seminars nationwide.
Instructional Resources
In partnership with notable science publishers and museums, KSTF has funded the creation of various online and print teaching materials. Some examples include virtual reality field trips, lesson plan collections, and interactive simulations and datasets for classroom use. These free resources support diverse learning styles and help bring science concepts to life.
Fellowships for Science Teachers
Perhaps KSTF’s most prestigious offering is its competitive fellowship opportunities that recognize and reward outstanding science educators from elementary through high school levels. Unlike traditional grants, KSTF Fellowships are unrestricted awards, allowing teachers flexibility to pursue professional development aligned with their goals and interests.
KSTF Fellowship Programs Overview
There are currently two fellowship programs offered through KSTF that science teachers may qualify for at different career stages:
KSTF Master Teaching Fellowships
Intended for experienced K-12 science teachers with a proven history of leadership and commitment to their profession. Awarded teachers receive an unrestricted grant of $100,000 over two years to further their impact.
KSTF Teacher Fellowships
Aimed at mid-career science teachers who have demonstrated classroom excellence and a vision for how this fellowship can boost student learning. Recipients receive a $50,000 award to support an ambitious year-long professional project of their design.
Both fellowship opportunities are prestigious national honors that provide substantial financial support and prestige to transform teaching practice. In the following sections, we’ll explore the eligibility criteria, application process, evaluation rubrics, and fellowship expectations for each program in more detail.
KSTF Master Teaching Fellowships
Eligibility
To qualify for a Master Teaching Fellowship, applicants must:
- Have a minimum of 10 years of teaching experience in a K-12 public, private, or charter school located in the United States.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in science or science education from an accredited institution.
- Demonstrate a strong track record as a mentor and leader within their school/district through activities such as curriculum development, coaching colleagues, or engagement with parent/student communities.
- Commit to remaining actively involved in K-12 science education for the duration of the 2-year fellowship period.
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit the following by the late January deadline:
- Cover letter expressing their interest and vision for how the fellowship would support their goals (2 pages max).
- Resume or curriculum vitae showcasing academic and professional qualifications.
- Three letters of recommendation – including one from the applicant’s school principal/administrator.
- 1500-word essay describing their teaching philosophy, achievements, leadership experience, and proposed fellowship project and activities.
- Sample curriculum materials, assessments, or publications (optional).
Finalists will be invited to an in-person interview with the KSTF selection committee, typically held in April. Fellowship recipients are announced by early May each year.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on evidence of:
- Exceptional passion and effectiveness as a K-12 science educator over many years.
- Significant contributions to the profession through activities such as curriculum design, coaching colleagues, engaging the community, or conducting research.
- Thoughtful and aligned vision for how this fellowship will maximize its impact and leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to execute ambitious plans and effectively disseminate results.
- Commitment to science teaching excellence throughout the 2-year fellowship period and beyond.
Fellowship Requirements
Master Teaching Fellows receive a total of $100,000 disbursed in two installments over two years. They are not required to curtail or modify teaching responsibilities but must commit to:
- Implementing a detailed professional development plan with clear goals, activities, timelines, and assessment components.
- Maintaining open communication with KSTF about fellowship progress and results.
- Sharing best practices through presentations or publications to positively influence the field.
- Recognizing KSTF’s support in related activities to amplify the Foundation’s mission.
This unrestricted funding provides flexibility for fellows to pursue research, develop new curricula, attend conferences, enroll in graduate courses, or extend their reach in many innovative ways. Past fellows have leveraged the award to transform their schools’ science programs and help thousands more students through open resources.
KSTF Teacher Fellowships
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Teacher Fellowship, applicants must:
- Have a minimum of 5 years of teaching experience in a K-12 public, private, or charter school located in the United States.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in science or science education from an accredited institution (advanced degree preferred but not required).
- Present evidence of strong student outcomes and effective teaching practice through methods such as student achievement data, learning artifacts, and letters of recommendation.
- Demonstrate leadership potential through initial efforts to positively influence colleagues or advance their field.
Application Process
The application process is similar to the Master Teaching Fellowship but on a shorter timeline:
- Cover letter (1 page max) and resume/CV.
- 1500-word essay on teaching experiences, goals for the fellowship year, and proposed project activities.
- Three letters of recommendation, including one from their principal/administrator.
- Relevant student work samples or curriculum materials (optional).
Applications are due in early November, with finalist interviews typically held that December. Fellowship recipients are announced by mid-January.
Evaluation Criteria
Successful applicants will be evaluated based on:
- A proven track record of raising student achievement and engagement in science.
- Thoughtful rationale for how the project builds on their existing strengths and supports school/district priorities.
- Feasibility of the one-year plan and clarity of goals, timeline, and intended outcomes or results.
- Demonstrated leadership potential through collaboration, mentoring, or communities of practice.
- Commitment to teaching excellence and sharing best practices over the fellowship period.
Fellowship Requirements
Each Teacher Fellow receives $50,000 to support their year-long professional development project. They must:
- Devote a minimum of half-time (or at least six weeks) to fellowship activities spread across the school year.
- Implement goals proposed in their application related to areas like curriculum innovation, research, and community outreach.
- Communicate regularly with KSTF through progress reports, final reports, and presentations.
- Publish at least one resource, tool, or learning from their project to help other educators.
- Recognize KSTF in materials developed and related public discussions of their fellowship experience.
This award provides funding and dedicated time for high-impact teacher-led initiatives that can transform science education in their schools and fields. Past fellows have launched programs serving thousands of students district-wide or national audiences through new online learning platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive are KSTF Fellowships?
On average, KSTF receives 200-300 applications each year for 10-15 fellowship awards. With such a low acceptance rate of roughly 5%, these honors are extremely selective, and candidates must clearly demonstrate exceptional promise and leadership through a strong written application package. It’s advisable to prepare materials well in advance and seek feedback from mentors.
Can international teachers or those working outside the US apply?
Unfortunately, KSTF Fellowships are only open to full-time K-12 science educators working in accredited public, private, or charter schools located within the 50 United States due to the Foundation’s domestic funding guidelines. However, teachers of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply as long as they meet base eligibility criteria.
What are my chances of applying for the first time?
While experience and a proven record are valued qualities, it’s not uncommon for early-career educators just entering their sixth year of teaching to be selected for a Teacher Fellowship. The review is comprehensive, focusing on the quality and potential impact of one’s proposed project most of all. With careful preparation and passion, first-time applicants can absolutely succeed, though it may take applying two or more times.
What kind of projects have fellows pursued in the past?
Past KSTF fellows have undertaken an extremely wide variety of innovative projects tailored to their skills and students’ needs. Here are just a few representative examples:
- Developing new STEM-focused curricula in areas like environmental science, computer science, or biomimicry for district-wide implementation.
- Launching after-school programs and summer camps to inspire underserved youth in hands-on science activities.
- Conducting action research to study the effectiveness of novel teaching methods like project-based or blended learning in their classrooms.
- Producing open educational resources like virtual labs, lesson plans, or videos hosted on dedicated websites and shared nationally.
- Earning graduate-level credentials in emerging STEM fields to enhance college and career advising for their high school students.
- Organizing teacher professional learning communities and leading workshops to help colleagues adopt strategies proven to boost student outcomes.
The possibilities are truly limitless with KSTF’s flexible funding. Browse previous fellows’ reports for a wealth of additional inspiration.
Where can I find more information and apply?
To learn more details about KSTF Fellowship eligibility requirements, the application process, and the timeline or to directly access the online portal, please visit: www.kstf.org
You can also sign up for the Foundation’s monthly e-newsletter to stay updated on upcoming info sessions and application deadlines and learn about the impressive work of past fellows. KSTF staff members are also available to answer questions and provide application assistance – simply contact them via the information on their website.
Becoming a KSTF Fellow is undeniably a rigorous process, but for dedicated educators aiming to transform science teaching, it represents an incredible opportunity.
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