FEE defines “teacher” broadly. The key requirement is an active, current connection to students or other educators as the central function of your work. This includes:

• Educators: public, private, charter, or classical school teachers at any secondary level (both virtual or in-person experiences considered)
• Non-traditional educators: homeschool co-op instructors, tutors, or educators in alternative learning environments
• Postsecondary educators: community college and university instructors with regular student-facing responsibilities
• Educators of educators: instructional coaches, curriculum specialists, or faculty who primarily teach other educators

All applicants are evaluated holistically, but competitive candidates generally demonstrate strength across five areas:

• Knowledge & affinity: Genuine interest in economics, free markets, and the principles of a free society and a desire to go deeper
• Reach & impact: Current, active engagement with students or fellow educators; applicants who can multiply FEE’s ideas in their classrooms and communities
• Communication excellence: Ability to articulate ideas clearly and compellingly, whether in writing, in the classroom, or with peers
• Commitment to craft: A track record of investing in instructional quality and professional growth as an educator
  Integrity & character: Consistent professionalism, follow-through, and alignment with the values FEE seeks to model and promote

There is no GPA requirement, no required subject area, and no minimum years of experience. What matters most is dedication to your practice and genuine interest in the ideas FEE teaches.

No. While a background in economics or personal finance is helpful, it is not required. Fellows come from a range of subject areas including social studies, history, business, CTE, and others. What matters more than your current subject area is your interest in economic reasoning, your commitment to your students, and your openness to deepening your understanding of how markets and free societies work.

The fellowship’s pre-retreat study modules are specifically designed to build foundational knowledge, so you’ll have structured support even if economics is new territory for you.

Applications open in May 2026 and selections will be final the second week in June 2026. The process includes two rounds:

• Round 1: FEE reviews your application and professional background to assess fit and potential
• Round 2: Finalists are interviewed by FEE staff

The fellowship is designed to be manageable alongside full-time teaching. The design prioritizes depth of engagement over quantity of tasks. The core time commitment includes:

• Pre-retreat modules (June–July): Self-paced asynchronous reading and study, estimated at a few hours per week
• Fellowship Retreat (late July, 4 days): An in-person retreat held at the University of Maryland and Washington, D.C
• Fellowship Project (August–April): A self-directed curriculum or training project completed over the school year, with quarterly check-ins via webinar

No. Attendance at the in-person retreat is a requirement of the fellowship. The retreat is the centerpiece of the program; it is where fellows engage directly with FEE faculty, collaborate with their cohort, and participate in experiences that cannot be replicated virtually.

Fellows participate in four video calls during the project year: two in the fall semester and two in the spring semester. All calls are held at 7:00 PM ET. Specific dates are confirmed with the cohort at the start of the fellowship year. These sessions are an opportunity to share progress on your project, connect with fellow educators, and stay engaged with FEE’s team.

Fellows traveling by air should fly into Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). Both are well-positioned for the retreat locations at the University of Maryland and at FEE’s office in Washington, D.C.

Lodging details and ground transportation information will be provided to fellows during the onboarding process.

The Fellowship Project is your signature contribution as a fellow. This is a chance to take what you’ve learned and create something that advances FEE’s mission in your own context. You’ll choose from three project types:

• Student-facing curriculum rooted in economic principles
• A teacher training experience for colleagues
• An educational experience that connects students or educators to the ideas of freedom

Completed projects are eligible to be integrated into FEE’s Learning Center, giving your work a lasting audience beyond your own classroom.

FEE covers retreat programming, meals, and accommodations. A travel stipend is provided to cover most, if not all, travel expenses. (Expected travel stipend is $600). Details will be provided after selection.

Upon successful completion of the Fellowship Project, each fellow receives a $1,000 stipend in recognition of their work and contribution.

All payments, both the project completion stipend and retreat travel reimbursements, are processed electronically via ACH direct deposit to your checking account.

• Travel reimbursement: Submit receipts for eligible travel expenses after the retreat concludes
• Project stipend ($1,000): Paid upon successful completion of your Fellowship Project at the end of the fellowship year
  Instructions for submitting receipts and banking information will be provided to fellows before the retreat.

Yes, international applicants are welcome to apply! We value global perspectives and encourage educators from around the world to participate in the fellowship.

However, international applicants should keep the following considerations in mind:

• Language Requirement: All fellowship programming, including pre-retreat modules, the in-person retreat, and quarterly video calls, is conducted exclusively in English.
• Travel Logistics: While international teachers are eligible, the travel stipend is limited to $600. This amount is intended to offset domestic travel costs and may not cover the full expense of international flights, visa processing fees, or other international travel logistics.
• Mandatory Attendance: Regardless of your location, you must be able to attend the in-person summer retreat at the University of Maryland and Washington, D.C. (July 20–24, 2026).

Yes. FEE views fellowship alumni as long-term partners. As the alumni community grows, FEE is building structured pathways for continued involvement including:

• Opportunities to serve as faculty or speakers in future fellowship programming
• Recognition through an Educator of the Year award for exceptional impact
• Connections to FEE’s broader network of partner organizations

Fellows who complete the program are encouraged to become ambassadors, helping recruit future applicants and deepening FEE’s presence in their schools and communities.