The Earthwatch Institute Fellowship 2027 offers an immersive professional development opportunity for K–12 educators interested in environmental science and scientific research. Through the Teach Earth Fellowship, teachers can work alongside environmental scientists on real-world research expeditions, gain hands-on field research experience, learn research protocols and develop ideas for bringing environmental science into their classrooms.
Background & Fellowship Description
The Earthwatch Institute’s Teach Earth Fellowship is designed for K–12 educators who want to deepen their understanding of environmental science through direct participation in scientific research.
The fellowship allows teachers to step outside the traditional classroom and work alongside leading environmental scientists during research expeditions. Participants gain firsthand experience with scientific research, environmental fieldwork and data collection, which they can subsequently use to strengthen their teaching.
Earthwatch describes Teach Earth as an immersive professional development experience that has been running for more than 50 years. The programme is intended to help educators bring real-world environmental science into their classrooms and inspire students to develop an interest in scientific discovery.
Research and Training Experience
Teach Earth fellows participate in field expeditions lasting approximately 7 to 14 days. During these expeditions, teachers work as part of a team alongside scientists, study nature, learn research protocols and record field data.
The projects are designed by PhD-level scientists, who lead lectures and train teachers in data collection techniques. Participants also learn how collected data can be used to investigate hypothesis-driven research questions.
The experience is therefore more than conventional professional development. Teachers receive direct exposure to scientific research and environmental fieldwork while collaborating with other educators.
Throughout the expedition, participants also work on developing lesson plans that can help translate their research experience into meaningful classroom activities.
Key Benefits
Hands-On Scientific Research
Fellows gain firsthand experience conducting environmental research alongside scientists. This can help educators better understand how scientific research is designed and carried out.
Environmental Education Skills
The fellowship provides teachers with experiences and resources that can be translated into environmental and science education.
Collaboration With Scientists
Participants spend several days working directly with scientists, gaining deeper access to scientific expertise than through many traditional professional-development programmes.
Professional Network
Fellows join a network of educator alumni spanning decades of Earthwatch programmes. The network provides access to educator community updates and teaching resources.
Classroom Resources
A Teach Earth lead fellow helps participants translate their expedition experiences into lesson plans that can be used in schools and communities.
Funding Structure
The fellowship can be fully or partially funded.
Earthwatch states that it raises funds each year to cover as many Teach Earth fellowships as possible. Funding may include the expedition and a travel stipend. However, because demand has exceeded the number of fully funded fellowships, Earthwatch also offers partially funded fellowships at a subsidized rate.
For partially funded fellowships, Earthwatch covers part of the programme cost while the teacher is responsible for obtaining funding for the remaining amount. Possible sources include personal funds, school support or grants.
Applicants must indicate whether they are seeking a fully or partially funded fellowship. If selected, Earthwatch informs fellows of the level of funding covered by its grants. Applications are reviewed need-blind, with fellows selected based on merit.
Qualifications
The supplied Earthwatch information lists the following requirements for Teach Earth:
- Be a current K–12 classroom teacher in the United States.
- Be available to travel for 7–14 days.
- Have a passion for education.
- Have an interest in environmental issues or scientific research.
- Want to improve environmental or science education.
- Be enthusiastic about collaborating with teachers from different backgrounds and areas of expertise.
- Be committed to engaging students and the wider community inside and outside the classroom.
The source also states that an individual can receive a maximum of two Teach Earth fellowships during their lifetime, unless they return as a Teach Earth Lead Fellow.
Lead Fellow Opportunity
Earthwatch also has a Teach Earth Lead Fellow pathway.
In addition to the standard fellowship qualifications, Lead Fellows should be enthusiastic about leading teams of K–12 teachers, have previously participated in an Earthwatch expedition and have experience turning an Earthwatch expedition into impactful classroom curriculum.
Lead Fellows are also expected to organize a team blog and conduct five workshops during the expedition focused on translating the Earthwatch experience into classroom and community learning. Earthwatch provides workshop curriculum and training in advance.
2027 Application Information
The current source provides specific application information for the 2026 Teach Earth Fellowship, rather than a confirmed 2027 application deadline.
For the 2026 cycle, Earthwatch listed:
- Application deadline: January 12, 2026
- Fellowship notifications: April 30, 2026
- Expedition period: 7–12 days between late June and mid-August
- Applicants who missed the 2026 deadline could submit an interest form to receive notification when the 2027 application launches.
Therefore, prospective 2027 applicants should not treat the 2026 dates as the 2027 deadline. The supplied source specifically directs interested applicants to the interest form for notification when the 2027 application becomes available.
Express interest in the next Teach Earth application
How to Apply
When the 2027 application opens, interested educators can apply through the official Teach Earth application system.
Apply for a Teach Earth Fellowship
Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their interest in environmental science, education and scientific research, as well as their ability to collaborate with other educators and translate field experiences into classroom learning.
Additional Information
The Earthwatch Teach Earth Fellowship is particularly relevant for educators seeking environmental science professional development, field research experience and new approaches to science education.
The opportunity is not presented as a general fellowship for all young professionals. The current eligibility information specifically identifies current K–12 classroom teachers in the United States as the target applicants.
The fellowship also does not appear to be completely guaranteed funding for every successful applicant. Earthwatch distinguishes between fully and partially funded fellowships, so applicants should carefully review the funding level offered if selected.
Final Takeaway
The Earthwatch Institute Fellowship 2027 is an environmental research and professional development opportunity for U.S.-based K–12 teachers interested in bringing authentic scientific research into their classrooms.
Through Teach Earth, educators can spend several days working alongside environmental scientists, collect field data, learn research techniques, collaborate with fellow teachers and develop educational resources based on their experiences. Funding can be fully or partially provided depending on the fellowship awarded.
The source currently available confirms the 2026 application cycle and says interested educators who missed that deadline could register to be notified when the 2027 application launches.
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