Innovation Hub Teacher Fellowship

A year-long professional learning program building interdisciplinary, computationally-rich projects centered on student creativity and real-world problem-solving

Applications for the 2026-2027 Fellowship are now closed.

Check back in coming months for information about the 2027-28 fellowship!

The Innovation Hub Teacher Fellowship Program is a year-long professional learning experience for middle school teachers at Charlottesville Middle School.

Fellows collaboratively design interdisciplinary, computationally-rich projects that center student creativity, real-world problem-solving, and authentic learning experiences.

The fellowship brings together educators, community partners, and Innovation Hub staff to rethink how learning happens - across classrooms, content areas, and the broader Charlottesville community.

What is the Innovation Hub Fellowship?

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to:

  • Core content area teachers (ELA, Social Studies, Science, Math)

  • 6th, 7th, and 8th grade teachers (Welcome, 6th grade folks!)

  • Previous Innovation Fellows: scroll down for more information on our new “mentor fellows” program!

We are seeking teachers who:

  • Are curious about project-based learning

  • Enjoy collaborating across disciplines

  • Want to design meaningful, student-centered learning experiences

  • Wish to grow their professional practice through personally relevant learning experiences

No STEM, engineering, or coding background is required!

The fellowship is about learning together and growing new practices, not arriving as an expert.

Fellowship Commitments (2026-2027)

Fellows commit to:

  • Designing and implementing at least one interdisciplinary project per semester

  • Collaborating with colleagues across grade levels and content areas for projects

  • Participating in bi-monthly fellowship gatherings, often alongside community partners

  • Sharing projects and learning with peers and stakeholders, including conference presentations

While occasional scheduling conflicts may happen, fellows are expected to participate consistently and fully in the program. Schedule conflicts should be addressed at least two weeks in advance and will be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.

What Fellows Receive

2026-2027 Fellows will receive:

  • $5,000 stipend for professional learning (including conference registration and travel expenses)

  • $15,000 participation stipend, paid in Winter 2026 and Spring 2027

  • Dedicated planning time and instructional support, including a personalized professional learning plan aligned to fellows’ instructional and personal goals

  • Ongoing access to Innovation Hub staff, resources, materials, and community partners throughout the academic year

How to Apply

Applications open on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 10 AM

Applications close on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 5 PM

What to expect during the application process:

New in 2026-2027: Mentor Fellows

We are excited to introduce Mentor Fellows, designed for teachers who have previously completed the fellowship and are interested in leadership and peer mentorship.

Mentor Fellows:

  • Are included as part of the 12-teacher cohort

  • Support and guide new fellows throughout the year during project design and PD

  • Lead one 2-hour professional learning session during the school year

  • Help strengthen collaboration across the fellowship community