The Smithsonian NESST Fellowship is a virtual professional development program for K–12 educators across Latin America, led by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. This fellowship-style program connects teachers from different Latin American countries to collaborate on real-world educational challenges, improve classroom practices, and engage with Smithsonian-led learning resources.
The Smithsonian Science Education Center is part of the Network for Emergent Socio-Scientific Thinking (NESST), which focuses on innovative teaching methods in science, sustainability, and global education. The program runs fully online and is conducted in Spanish, making it accessible to educators across the region without requiring travel.
Smithsonian NESST Fellowship Benefits
- Collaboration with educators across Latin America
- Access to Smithsonian educational materials and resources
- Training in socio-scientific and sustainability education
- Opportunity to contribute to curriculum development
- International networking with experts and innovators
- Professional growth in global education practices
- Experience in virtual cross-cultural collaboration
Smithsonian NESST Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Be K–12 educators currently teaching in Latin America
- Have strong interest in sustainability and global education
- Be willing to collaborate in international virtual teams
- Commit to the full 11-month program
- Be fluent in Spanish (program language requirement)
- Demonstrate motivation for educational innovation
Degree Level
This is not a degree program. It is a professional development opportunity for:
- Primary school teachers (K–12)
- Secondary school teachers (K–12)
- Educators from all subject areas
Available Subjects
Applicants do not need to be science teachers. The program is open to educators from:
- Science and STEM education
- Social sciences
- Humanities
- Arts and interdisciplinary studies
- Environmental education
Eligible Nationalities
Open to educators from Latin American countries, including but not limited to:
- ArArgentina
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Mexico
- Panama
- Other Latin American nations
Program Structure
The program is divided into multiple phases:
- Orientation and onboarding (June–July)
- Professional development using Smithsonian resources (August–September)
- Community building and collaboration (October–December)
- Group project development (December–April)
- Final presentations and program closure (March–April)
How to Apply for Smithsonian NESST Fellowship
- Complete the online application form
- Provide details about teaching experience and motivation
- Demonstrate interest in socio-scientific education
- Submit required documents as requested
- Await selection results for the final cohort
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Smithsonian NESST Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
Is this a paid scholarship or degree program?
No, it is a fully virtual professional development program, not a degree or traditional scholarship. However, it provides valuable training and international experience.
Do I need to be a science teacher to apply?
No, teachers from all subjects including humanities, arts, and social sciences can apply.
Do participants need to travel abroad?
No, the entire program is conducted online in Spanish, so no travel is required.
What is the duration of the program?
The program runs for 11 months, from June to April.
How many teachers are selected per cohort?
Only 25 teachers are selected per cohort, making the program highly competitive.
What is the language of the program?
The program is conducted entirely in Spanish.
What is the time commitment required?
Participants are expected to commit approximately 10 hours per month.
Who can apply for this fellowship?
K–12 educators currently teaching in Latin America who are fluent in Spanish and have a strong interest in sustainability and global education.
What subjects are covered in the program?
The program focuses on socio-scientific thinking, including climate change, environmental sustainability, scientific ethics, and social systems.
When is the application deadline?
The final date to apply is May 25, 2026.
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