Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (FTEA) 2025-26
An Opportunity for Indian Secondary School Teachers to Enhance Their Teaching Skills in the United States
The Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (FTEA) 2025-26 is a prestigious initiative sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State. As part of the broader Fulbright Program, this initiative aims to foster mutual understanding between the United States and other nations by providing educators with a unique opportunity to develop expertise in their respective disciplines.
Through this six-week non-degree, non-credit academic program, secondary school teachers from across the world will be able to refine their teaching methodologies, integrate advanced instructional strategies, and immerse themselves in the U.S. education system. Up to six teachers from India will be selected to participate in this program at a U.S. university, joining approximately 180 educators from 75 countries.
Participants will engage in academic seminars, hands-on training, and practicum experiences at a U.S. secondary school to strengthen their pedagogical approaches. Additionally, they will gain insights into student-centered learning, curriculum development, and instructional technology, enabling them to bring valuable knowledge back to their home institutions.
Program Overview The Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program is structured as a six-week intensive training at a host university in the United States. The program is scheduled to take place in either January 2026 or September 2026, though the final timeline will depend on conditions in the host communities.
Throughout the program, participants will:
- Attend academic seminars focused on innovative teaching methodologies, student engagement techniques, and lesson planning.
- Receive intensive English language instruction if required.
- Participate in a 40-hour practicum with a U.S. partner teacher at a secondary school, allowing them to gain direct classroom experience.
- Engage in cultural enrichment activities and networking sessions with educators from around the world.
Gain access to mentorship and professional support throughout the program. Following the successful completion of the program, alumni will be eligible to apply for small grants to support initiatives such as purchasing teaching materials, conducting training workshops for fellow educators, and establishing collaborations between their home schools and U.S. institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Must be a full-time senior secondary school teacher (teaching Classes 6 to 12) in an institution that serves primarily local students (not expatriate populations).
Should have completed a minimum of five years of full-time teaching in one of the following disciplines:
- English
- English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
- Social Studies
- Mathematics
- Science
- Special Education
Must be citizens and residents of India at the time of application submission.
Should hold at least a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Must be present in India for both the application process and interview.
Must obtain a minimum score of 61 on the iBT TOEFL or an equivalent English proficiency test (not required at the time of application but will be required for shortlisted candidates).
Should demonstrate a commitment to teaching and a willingness to implement newly acquired skills upon return.
Must submit a complete application before the deadline.
Selection Process
The selection process evaluates candidates based on their professional achievements, leadership potential, and ability to foster long-term educational collaborations between India and the U.S. Applicants must be prepared for a rigorous academic schedule with limited personal time. Strong communication skills, the ability to express ideas effectively, and a clear vision for applying the program’s learnings in their home country are crucial factors in the selection process.
Applications will be assessed on the applicant’s demonstrated commitment to teaching, leadership qualities, preparedness for an intensive training program, and capacity to work collaboratively in an international setting. The ability to integrate modern teaching techniques and foster educational innovation will also be considered. Preference will be given to those who have not previously received a Fulbright grant.
Program Benefits
The selected candidates will receive comprehensive support throughout the program. This includes J-1 visa sponsorship, round-trip airfare, a baggage allowance, full coverage of academic program fees, housing and meals, accident and sickness medical insurance (excluding pre-existing conditions), and transportation to the practicum school if necessary. Participants will also receive a daily stipend for incidentals and take part in an end-of-program workshop in Washington, D.C..
Upon returning to their home country, successful alumni will have the opportunity to apply for small grants that support educational initiatives, professional training programs, and collaborative projects between U.S. and Indian schools.
Application Process and Deadline
The application deadline for the Fulbright TEA Program is March 7, 2025. Only online applications will be accepted, and all responses must be written in English. Applicants must submit an updated CV, a copy of their latest university degree transcript, proof of teaching awards (if applicable), and a passport copy. Plagiarism in any part of the application will result in disqualification. No modifications can be made after submission, and applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
Before submitting their application, candidates should ensure that their responses align with the word limits specified in the application guidelines. Those applying for both the Fulbright TEA and FDAI programs will be deemed ineligible. Shortlisted candidates will be required to take an English proficiency test and attend an interview.
Conclusion
The Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (FTEA) 2025-26 is an exceptional opportunity for Indian secondary school teachers to enhance their skills, gain international exposure, and contribute to the advancement of education in India. By participating in this program, educators can engage with global teaching practices, foster international collaborations, and bring innovative methodologies to their classrooms.