APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN: 2026-2027 SRL TEACHER AMBASSADOR FELLOWSHIP
March 6, 2026
Educators, this is for you! Become a leader in student-centered journalism with the SRL Teacher Ambassador Fellowship, a year-long, fully funded professional learning experience designed to equip educators to lead video and audio workshops, mentor colleagues, and bring PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs programming into their schools and communities.
This year’s fellowship begins with an immersive in-person training (July 14–17, 2026) where Ambassadors will collaborate with peers, engage in hands-on training, and co-create plans for local outreach and mentorship. After the summer training, Ambassadors continue their year-long journey with ongoing mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities throughout the 2026–27 school year.
Who we’re looking for:
- Educators passionate about amplifying student voice, civic engagement, and journalism
- Experienced media educators eager to share video and audio storytelling skills
- Professionals dedicated to helping peers create meaningful, community-centered stories
- Collaborative, community-minded leaders ready to make an impact locally
- Educators excited to extend SRL’s reach by engaging their communities and mentoring fellow teachers\
What Ambassadors receive:
- A fully funded in-person training experience, including travel, lodging, and meals
- A yearly stipend of $1,500 to support outreach, leadership, and local programming
- Concrete, ready-to-deliver workshop materials and mentorship frameworks
- Ongoing access to a national support network of like-minded educators
Why join?
This year-long fellowship invests in educators as mentors and community leaders. It begins with an in-person summer training designed to inspire, build connections, and provide foundational skills. Beyond this initial experience, Ambassadors continue throughout the school year, leading professional learning, cultivating local networks, and mentoring fellow educators with confidence and care. The model honors educators as co-creators of learning in their own communities, recognizing that real impact travels from teacher to teacher—rooted in relationships, relevance, and trust.
Program Goals:
By the end of the fellowship, Ambassadors will:
- Deepen understanding of SRL’s mission and updated goals
- Develop localized plans for teacher training and mentorship
- Strengthen regional educator networks to shift professional learning from episodic events to sustained year-long engagement
- Extend SRL’s reach through community-driven professional learning
Program Structure:
1. Pre-Training Preparation (4–6 weeks before, May 2026)
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- Welcome call + cohort orientation
- Access to the Ambassador Toolkit (slides, facilitation guides)
- Identify local opportunities and constraints (district, PD culture, community orgs)
2. Ambassador Training (in-person July 14-17, 2026)
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- Train-the-Trainer Facilitation: Designing engaging sessions, practice teaching, peer feedback
- Mentorship & Community Building: Supporting new teachers, building trust locally
- Localization: Adapting materials for different contexts, aligning with district/community priorities
3. Implementation & Mentorship Phase (2026-27 School Year)
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- Monthly or bi-monthly Ambassador cohort calls
- Shared resource hub + discussion space on the SRL Commons
- Lead at least one professional development session or local event to share SRL practices with peers
- Mentor 1–3 educators in your community, providing guidance and support as they implement SRL programs
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To apply: Review full details and guidelines here and submit your application by April 10th. Selected Ambassadors will be notified by April 20th.
Join a year-long national network of educators amplifying student storytelling where it matters most: right in your own community!