Deadline: November 13, 2025
Applications are open for the NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026. The NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship supports early career scholars working in critical areas of education research. Through professional development, funding, and mentorship from senior scholars, the fellowship enhances the career and research opportunities of the fellow.
As a highly competitive initiative, this fellowship annually identifies and supports 25 of the most exceptional researchers conducting postdoctoral studies relevant to education. This non-residential fellowship supports scholars who promise to make significant contributions to the field of education and advances the careers of the recipients. Scholars may conduct their research at their home institution or at another research site that they have arranged.
Award
The fellowship comprises three key components:
- Fellows receive $70,000 for one academic year, distributed in two installments.
- Fellows participate in three professional development retreats facilitated by National Academy of Education (NAEd) members and other distinguished scholars. These retreats offer general and specialized discussions to enhance the fellows’ research capabilities and academic growth.
- Fellows choose an NAEd member or another esteemed scholar as a mentor, providing guidance and support throughout the academic year.
Eligibility
To receive the fellowship, applicants must:
- Have received their PhD, EdD, or equivalent research degree between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024. These dates are accurate for the upcoming application cycle. If you will complete your doctorate this year (2025), you are eligible to apply next year.
- Not hold tenure status at the time of the application deadline.
- Have a demonstrated record of research experience in education and the project must be in education research.
- Submit an individual application as they will not accept group applications.
Application
Application deadline is November 13, 2025 – 5:00 pm ET.
For more information, visit NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship.
