OKLAHOMA CITY — Applications are now open for Fund for Teachers fellowships, which give Oklahoma educators the opportunity to pursue self-designed professional learning.
Each year, Fund for Teachers Fellows pursue summer educational experiences around the world. Oklahoma’s 2026 grant recipients used their funds for adventures such as researching literary giants across Europe, investigating elephant conservation in Asia and exploring alternative energy leadership in Iceland.
Individuals can receive grants of up to $5,000, while teams of two or more teachers may apply for up to $10,000.
Oklahoma’s grants are made possible through a partnership between Fund for Teachers, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence and the Tulsa Community Foundation.
“Fund for Teachers fellowships empower educators to seek professional development that fits the needs of their students,” said Elizabeth Inbody, OFE Chief Executive Officer. “We are proud to facilitate these incredible learning experiences that reinvigorate teachers and elevate student learning.”
Applicants must be full-time educators teaching grades pre-K through 12 who spend at least 50% of their time directly providing instruction to students. They must have at least three years’ experience teaching grades pre-K through 12 at the end of the current school year and be returning to the classroom in the consecutive school year.
Educators can apply at FundforTeachers.org. Applications are open until 5 p.m. Jan. 21.
OFE is a statewide, nonpartisan nonprofit that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools. The foundation elevates public education through esteemed honors, mentoring grants, support for public school foundations and partnerships that provide exceptional professional development to educators.
Oklahoma’s 2026 Fund for Teachers Fellowship Recipients
Jennifer Addison, Union Public Schools
Lauryl Bennington, Jones Public Schools
Stephen Biggs, Tulsa Technology Center
Amanda Bowser, Broken Arrow Public Schools
Tina Casey, Elmore City-Pernell Public Schools
Olga Caulfield, Moore Norman Technology Center
William Ferguson, Bixby Public Schools
Kylee Graumann, Moore Public Schools
Shelly Hale, Edmond Public Schools
Kristyne Hamilton, Union Public Schools
Catherine Johnson, Elmore City-Pernell Public Schools
Akash Patel, Epic Charter Schools
Sarah Rhodes, Union Public Schools
Julie Valsaint, Wagoner Public Schools
