2023 Anne and Ryland Brown Teacher Research Fellowship
Fellowship Applications Due by May 12
Open to Virginia 4th–12th Grade History and Social Science Educators
The Library of Virginia is pleased to announce the 2023 Anne and Ryland Brown Teacher Research Fellowship. The goal of the program is to enhance knowledge and training in history and social science instruction in the commonwealth of Virginia by providing educators with an opportunity for in-depth study and the development of teaching materials in collaboration with members of the Library of Virginia’s professional staff. Over the course of the summer, Brown Fellows work with Library of Virginia staff members to pursue research on an approved topic and produce educational materials based on the results of their findings. Brown Fellows are also required to make presentations regarding their research and finished projects at educational conferences.
This year the Brown Fellowship will focus on research and projects on local stories and histories that have typically been hidden or neglected from mainstream narratives. Fellows will not only add to the rich history of Virginia with their research, but also enrich our understanding of how local stories fit into our national history.
As part of a two year initiative, the Library of Virginia will host a teacher institute in each of the eight superintendent’s regions, and will select four Brown Fellows in both 2022 and 2023 (one from each region) to present their research during a session at their region’s teacher institute. For the 14th Annual Brown Teacher Institute (summer 2023), the Library seeks fellows from regions two, three, five, and seven.
The Library seeks educators who are interested in developing teacher resources that examine the histories from their community and region that contribute to our shared history. Brown Fellows will be asked to create a set of documents to be added to the online primary resource collection Document Bank of Virginia (DBVa), the Library of Virginia’s initiative to get primary sources into classrooms. Using original materials, teachers and librarians can make history relevant to students while helping them learn and understand state standards. DBVa will teach students to be critical thinkers as they analyze original documents and draw their own conclusions about Virginia’s past.
Brown Fellows will share what they have learned during presentations at their regional teacher institutes and will be available to connect with the other institute attendees during the year.
The Brown Teacher Research Fellowship includes:
- A stipend of $3,000 for each recipient
Eligible candidates for the Brown Teacher Research Fellowship must:
- Be residents of Virginia
- Have a minimum of three years of teaching experience in history and/or social science
- Exhibit the use of creative and engaging teaching techniques in the classroom
- Demonstrate a commitment to the use of primary sources as a part of classroom instruction
- Be available to complete 80 hours of research between June and September 2023
Applications must include:
- A résumé
- A statement of interest in 500 words or less outlining:
- reasons for applying for the Fellowship
- teaching philosophy
- what you hope to gain from the experience
- A letter of support from an immediate supervisor
- A sample lesson plan and/or narrative description demonstrating creative uses of primary sources, along with examples of student work based on the lesson, if available
DEADLINE: Complete applications should be emailed to the following address by Friday, May 12, 2023: education@lva.virginia.gov
For additional information, please contact Catherine Fitzgerald Wyatt, Education and Outreach manager, at catherine.wyatt@lva.virginia.gov or 804-692-3999.