Fund for Teachers awards grants of $5,000 for PreK-12 teachers to design and pursue self-directed professional learning experiences anywhere in the world—from studying marine biology in the Galápagos to exploring civil rights history in the American South—bringing transformative knowledge back to their students.

Fund for Teachers awards grants of $5,000 for PreK-12 teachers to design and pursue self-directed professional learning experiences anywhere in the world—from studying marine biology in the Galápagos to exploring civil rights history in the American South—bringing transformative knowledge back to their students.

Support Fund for Teachers

Two teacher fellows smiling together at their end-of-trip showcase, hosted at PEF's office.

Fund for Teachers

Traditional professional development—valuable for many purposes like compliance, certification, and foundational skills—can’t provides funding for the experiential, transformative learning you envision. The learning that would revolutionize your classroom often feels financially impossible: • Travel to historical sites costs money schools don't have • Field research requires resources • Cultural immersion takes time and funding • Expert mentorships aren't covered by standard allocations • Hands-on experiences require investment You're a professional with vision, passion, and expertise. You know exactly what learning would make you a more dynamic, knowledgeable, inspiring teacher. You just need support to pursue it. Fund for Teachers makes transformative professional learning accessible.

High school student working on a STEM fabrication lab project.

The Opportunity

Fund for Teachers trusts you to design the professional development you actually need.

You are the expert on your teaching. You know your

students, your curriculum, your context. You know what

learning would transform your practice.


YOU choose the learning that will reignite your passion and transform your teaching.


Since 2001, 9,500 teachers have traveled to 152 countries bringing transformative knowledge back to their students. They've studied on every continent, in contexts ranging from remote villages to major cities, pursuing learning as diverse as teachers themselves.


PEF is the local partner making this possible for Hamilton County educators.


You know what you need. Fund for Teachers funds it.

The Opportunity

Fund for Teachers trusts you to design the professional development you actually need.

You are the expert on your teaching. You know your

students, your curriculum, your context. You know what

learning would transform your practice.


YOU choose the learning that will reignite your passion and transform your teaching.


Since 2001, 9,500 teachers have traveled to 152 countries bringing transformative knowledge back to their students. They've studied on every continent, in contexts ranging from remote villages to major cities, pursuing learning as diverse as teachers themselves.


PEF is the local partner making this possible for Hamilton County educators.


You know what you need. Fund for Teachers funds it.

Support Fund for Teachers

How it works

Step 1

You Design Your Fellowship

What have you always wanted to learn? What experience would make you a better teacher? Fund for Teachers doesn't tell you what to study or where to go. You are the expert on what you need.

Step 2

You Apply for Funding

  • Individual teachers: Up to $5,000

  • Teams (2+ teachers): Up to $10,000

Funds can cover travel, accommodations, program fees, materials, and other fellowship-related expenses.

Step 3

You Bring It Back to Your Students

The knowledge, artifacts, photographs, connections, and passion you gain become the foundation for transformed curriculum, new units, student projects, and classroom experiences your students will never forget.

What is Fund for Teachers?


Teacher-Designed: You create the fellowship based on your expertise, your students' needs, your curriculum goals.


Self-Directed: You control the itinerary, the focus, the depth of learning. This is your experience.


Globally Accessible: Travel anywhere in the world—or stay domestic. From the Galápagos to Ellis Island, Antarctica to your own state.


Authentically Funded: Grants of $5,000 cover travel, accommodations, program fees, materials, and fellowship expenses.


Student-Centered: Everything you learn returns to your classroom, transforming curriculum and inspiring students.

Who Can Apply




Fund for Teachers is open to PreK-12 teachers who meet these criteria:




✓ Employed full-time as a PreK-12 teacher
✓ Spend at least 50% of work week in direct classroom instruction
✓ Intend to continue teaching the following school year
✓ Have at least 3 years of teaching experience




Individual teachers may apply for up to $5,000



Teams (2+ teachers from same or different schools/districts) may apply for up to $10,000




Teachers from any subject area and grade level are eligible. Past fellows have included art teachers, special education teachers, PE teachers, librarians, music teachers, and every academic discipline.

Support Fund for Teachers

You have Questions

We have the Answers

Have more questions? Don't hesitate to email us.

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