This project has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.
Friendship and Identity in Literature, Film, and Adolescence:
A National Endowment for the Humanities Residential Institute for High School English Teachers
July 14-26, 2024, Boston University
Application Details
About NEH Institutes
NEH Seminars and Institutes allow K-12 educators an opportunity to enrich and revitalize their teaching through the study of humanities topics that bear upon K-12 education. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the program, but programs are not intended to duplicate graduate-level courses.
Each institute allows 25 to 36 participants to study a humanities topic with a team of experienced scholars. The format emphasizes a range of perspectives that can be brought to a topic. Project leaders and participants mutually explore connections between scholarship and teaching, and some time is provided for work on individual or collaborative projects.
Photo Credit: Jeswin Thomas
Expectations & Eligibility
EXPECTATIONS
Applicants will be chosen in part for their ability to add their own particular insights, expertise, and teaching experience/context to our body of knowledge and practice, as well as their commitment to share what they learned at the institute with colleagues. As such, Teacher-Scholars are expected to attend all meetings and engage fully as professionals in the work of the project, including the production of a final curriculum unit, in small, collaborative working groups. Teacher-Scholars must not undertake teaching assignments or professional activities unrelated to their participation in the project. Those who, for any reason, do not complete the full tenure of the project will receive a reduced stipend.
Teacher-Scholars will complete and submit an evaluation near the end of the project’s residential period.
Eligibility
This institute is designed for teachers who are currently teaching English at the high school level (grades 9-12.) Up to three institute spaces will be open to teachers (9-12) of the Humanities other than English/Literature who are inclined and able to use the institute’s content and activities to enhance their teaching practice.
Application Selection & Stipend
Application Selection
A selection committee composed of a project director and two or more colleagues, will evaluate all complete applications to select a group of Teacher-Scholars and to identify alternates.
Criteria considered during the selection process include:
- the applicant’s effectiveness and commitment as an educator;
- the applicant’s intellectual and pedagogical interest in the topic of Friendship and Identity in Adolescence, Literature, and Film;
- the applicant’s unique perspectives, skills, and experiences that would contribute to the program;
- evidence that participation will enrich teaching practice and have a long-term impact on the applicant’s teaching;
- the applicant’s enthusiasm for the Institute’s subject as a way to marry academic rigor with the social-emotional learning of their students;
- the applicant’s ability, effectiveness, and enthusiasm regarding collaborating with fellow Scholar-Teachers;
- the applicant’s interest in writing curriculum for use in the classroom
Primary consideration will be given to those who have not previously attended an NEH Seminar or Institute. When choices must be made between equally qualified candidates, preference is given to those who would enhance the diversity of the program.
STIPEND FOR TEACHER-SCHOLARS
Teacher-Scholars are offered a stipend for participation in the project.The stipend of $2,200, which is taxable, is intended to help cover travel, housing, meals, and basic living expenses during the institute. Because the institute depends so much on the collegiality and collaboration of its participants, Teacher-Scholars who live 60 miles or more from Boston University are expected to reside at the Institute’s housing at Boston University for the two weeks of the institute. Housing costs (approximately $75.50/night) will be deducted from the stipend. We cannot vary or extend the dates of housing.
How to Apply
Complete & Submit the Application
Please Note: Any application sent directly to the NEH will not be reviewed.
Photo Credit: Hannah Busing
— Toni Morrison,
Beloved
Key Dates & Reminders
July 14-26
2024
Institute Dates
March 5
2024
Application Deadline
April 5
2024
Application Notification Date
April 19
2024
Participant Acceptance Deadline
This institute is designed for English teachers, but we welcome up to three teacher-participants in other humanities subjects.
Five spots are reserved for early-career teachers
Institute Dates
July 14-26 2024
Location
Boston University
Equal Opportunity Statement
Endowment programs do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age. For further information, write to the Equal Opportunity Officer, National Endowment for the Humanities, 400 7th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. TDD: 202-606-8282 (this is a special telephone device for the Deaf).
Disclaimer
Get in Touch
Questions? Reach out to Karen with the link below.