To be eligible for this award you must:

  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree as a minimum qualification;
  • Be a primary or secondary school teacher in a full time teaching position (in any subject), with at least five years of full-time teaching experience; or
  • Hold one of the following positions at primary or secondary level – library media specialist, guidance counsellor, curriculum specialist, special education coordinator, or other educator including administrators, and be working with students at least 50% of your time;
  • Demonstrate experience conducting professional development activities;
  • Demonstrate accomplishment in teaching and show evidence of leadership in your school or district;
  • Meet the citizenship requirements for this award.

Preference for the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Programme will be given to teachers serving in public schools in under-served communities.

Successful candidates for these awards will have:

  • Demonstrated commitment to elementary or secondary education;
  • Demonstrated leadership potential;
  • Professional and educational experience and achievements;
  • Potential for developing long-term linkages between U.S. and NZ educational institutions and schools;
  • Preparedness (including maturity, flexibility, and ability to function independently) for an intensive training program with very limited free time for personal travel or sightseeing;
  • Willingness and capacity to work and live collaboratively with international peers to foster a positive learning community for professional development;
  • Articulated ideas for applying program experience to improving primary or secondary education in NZ upon return;
  • Ability to express ideas clearly and effectively.