NEA Foundation selects 50 educators for 2027 Global Learning Fellowship

The NEA Foundation has named 50 public school educators from 40 states to its 2027 Global Learning Fellowship, a yearlong program that includes workshops, mentoring and a 10-day field study in Peru in July 2027. The cohort includes many teachers from Title I schools as the foundation expands a network of more than 550 alumni.

Why it matters: - The fellowship is designed to strengthen global competency in classrooms. - The program aims to help students build perspective-taking skills and a stronger sense of belonging. - About two-thirds of the new cohort teach at schools eligible for Title I programs, which serve student populations with at least 40% from low-income backgrounds.

What happened: - The NEA Foundation selected 50 public school educators for the 2027 Global Learning Fellowship. - The educators teach in urban, suburban and rural communities across 40 states. - The announcement was made Oct. 5, 2026. - In July 2027, the cohort will travel to Peru for a 10-day international field study.

The details: - The fellowship runs over the next year as a professional development program focused on global competency. - Fellows will take part in workshops and webinars with experts in global competency and education. - The program includes independent study, group reflection, group mentoring and a two-day in-person conference. - Each fellow will complete a capstone project that incorporates one or more U.N. Sustainable Development Goals into classroom instruction. - The field study will examine Peru's education system, culture and historical context. - The NEA Foundation said the program helps fellows better understand what global competency looks like in practice and how to advocate for global learning. - More information is available at the foundation's website. - Applications for the 2028 Global Learning Fellowship open in January 2027.

Between the lines: - The fellowship continues a long-running effort to build a national network of teachers with global-learning expertise. - The program has become a career-spanning professional development track, with alumni teaching every subject and grade level. - For many past fellows, the international trip was their first time traveling abroad. - The emphasis on Title I schools suggests the foundation is targeting classrooms that may have fewer resources and more student need.

What's next: - The new fellows will spend the next year in workshops, mentoring and project work before traveling to Peru. - The NEA Foundation will begin accepting applications for the 2028 fellowship in January 2027. - The fellowship network will continue to grow beyond the 2027 cohort, building on more than 550 alumni since 2011.