Application

Applications for the 2023 NEH Institute for Educators are now CLOSED.

Before applying, please review the NEH’s eligibility criteria to ensure that you qualify.

In addition to meeting the NEH’s eligibility criteria, participants for this Institute should be grades 6-12 educators from any content area (e.g., social studies, history, English/Language Arts, humanities, genocide studies, religious studies, fine arts, library, etc.) This Institute is geared toward educators who are new to teaching about the Holocaust or other difficult topics, although other educators are also encouraged to apply. Applicants need not have advanced degrees or prior experience teaching the Holocaust.

Participants must be also able to commit to designing and implementing inquiry-based instruction about the Holocaust, another genocide, or a human rights topic in their classrooms in Fall 2023. This Institute is intended to support responsible classroom teaching of these difficult topics. The classroom application component of this Institute is a firm requirement of participation.

How to Apply

To be considered for selection, applicants should submit a complete online application consisting of a form to which is attached files saved in PDF format to include the following:

1. a current resume or CV not to exceed 2 pages;
2. an application essay not to exceed 4 single-spaced pages typed in size 12 Times New Roman font; and
3. a letter of recommendation from an instructional supervisor or coach, school administrator, department chair, or colleague.

For the application essay, please write 3-4 single-spaced pages (Times New Roman font; size 12). This essay is the most important component of your application. In your essay, please:

• Describe your background and teaching contexts as these relate to your commitment and ability to participate in the Institute
• Articulate your reasons for applying for this specific Institute
• Explain how you hope this Institute will support your teaching of the Holocaust or other difficult topics
• Include 3-5 questions that you hope to explore through your participation in this Institute.

Applications will be evaluated by a committee consisting of the project director, co-director, and K-12 teacher leaders experienced in Holocaust and genocide education. Criteria to be considered by the selection committee will include but are not limited to:

• Commitment to, and potential for, implementing responsible Holocaust, genocide and/or human rights classroom instruction
• Demonstrated need for professional learning experiences that connect to the focus of this particular Institute
• Perspectives, skills, or experiences that would contribute to the Institute
• Commitment to participating fully in the collegial life of the entire Institute

Participant Expectations

• Participants are expected to uphold the NEH Principles of Civility at all times.
  
• Project applicants who accept an offer to participate are expected to remain and to participate in all sessions scheduled during the entire week of the summer residency in State College, PA and in Philadelphia, PA.
• Participants are further expected to participate in all online professional learning experiences that are planned for Summer 2023 and in the entire series of synchronous virtual sessions that are scheduled via Zoom during Fall 2023.
• If a participant is obliged through special circumstances to leave before the end of the program in December 2023, they will receive only a prorated share of the NEH stipend, as deemed appropriate in the sole judgment of the Institute director.
• Participants are required to submit copies of any instructional plans and materials that they produce and to complete a final project evaluation at the end of the Institute.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is March 3 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time (PT).

Applications for the 2023 NEH Institute for Educators are now CLOSED.