TABLE OF CONTENTS
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General
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Eligibility
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Applications
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Selection
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Participation
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Contacts
GENERAL
When is the application deadline?
Applications are due December 5, 2012 at 11:00PM, including all letters of recommendation.
How do I apply?
You can apply by going to the application website, which can be reached here
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ELIGIBILITY
I’m currently in my fifth year of teaching high school, am I eligible to apply?
No, you must have completed five years of full-time teaching at the time of applying (by December 5, 2012).
I’m currently a Permanent Resident Alien teaching physics at a private high school, but I expect to obtain my U.S. citizenship before the beginning of the Fellowship year. Am I eligible to apply?
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen at the time of applying. If you do not have U.S. citizenship status by the application deadline, December 5, 2012, then you will not be eligible to apply.
I’ve only been teaching in a science or math area for the past four years, am I eligible to apply?
No, to be eligible you must have been teaching at least five of the last seven years in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) discipline.
I'm currently serving as an Einstein Fellow in a federal agency, can I apply for a fellowship in a congressional office next year?
No, as of 2012 current and former Einstein Fellows are not eligible to apply again.
APPLICATIONS
I am having trouble logging into the application system. What do I do?
If you are a new applicant, you must first create a new User ID and Password. Click New Account to begin. If you have already created an account, make sure that you are entering the User ID and Password exactly as when you created them, including upper and lower case.
What do I do if the program asks me to log in again?
For security reasons, the website has a time out feature. After 60 minutes, if you have not completed and saved a page, the system will require you to log in again. We recommend that you complete your essays offline and copy and paste into the application.
What do I do if I can't remember my password?
Click 'Forgot Your Password' and the application system will e-mail your password to the address you listed in your profile when you began the application process.
Is it possible for me to send in an application now and remain on file for consideration next year?
No, your application will only be kept on record for the current year. You must reapply to be considered for next year. You are eligible to apply up to 3 times within a 6-year period.
Do I have to click on the Final Submit button to complete my portion of the online application before asking my recommenders to submit their recommendations online?
No. Recommendations may be submitted at any time after you have started your online application. The recommenders use a unique URL that will link their completed recommendation to your application and your Status page will show that the recommendation has been submitted.
Do my reference letters need to reach you by the deadline?
Yes, all parts of your online application, including letters of reference, need to be completed before the deadline. Check your Status page of your application account periodically before the deadline to see whether your references have been submitted. Your recommenders may need a reminder.
Can references be sent by mail or email?
No. You must use the online process. Part of your application includes a page with a URL unique to your application that you should print and give to the people you would like to submit a recommendation on your behalf. Each person writing a reference for you will complete the online recommendation form and submit it electronically. This is the only way to ensure that your recommendations are properly linked with your application.
Will you let me know if you are missing parts of my application?
It is your responsibility to check your Status page of your application account to ensure that your application is complete.
May I change references once I have selected them?
No. Your references will complete an online recommendation form that is linked to your application so it is not possible to change references once they have been submitted with your application.
Do I have to complete the essays online?
We recommend that you download the printable version of the application for reference and write your essays in a word processing program. After you save and spell-check the text, log into your application again, then copy and paste the text into the appropriate areas of the application.
SELECTION
How many Fellowships are awarded each year?
The number of Fellowships awarded each year varies. The number of Fellowship positions is contingent upon available opportunities within participating agencies, and available funds. In recent years the program has awarded between 15-25 fellowships a year.
Is the Fellowship for a single year?
Yes, the Einstein Fellowship is for 11 months, from September through the end of July. Under rare circumstances the host agency may consider extension of a fellowship to a second year, but Fellows should plan for an 11-month appointment only.
How are Fellows selected?
Applications are first subject to an eligibility and compliance review to verify applicant eligibility and ensure all the required application materials have been provided. Applications are then subject to a merit review by individuals who are independent of the applicants, the host agencies, and the partnering organizations. Applications are assessed based upon the applicant’s teaching experience, professional accomplishments, demonstrated leadership qualities, and interests as they relate to participating in the Einstein Fellowship program. From the most highly reviewed applications, host Federal agencies then review and select the Semi-Finalists. The Semi-Finalists are invited to Washington, DC for in person interviews and information sessions; and afterwards the individuals who will serve as the Fellows’ supervisors make the Finalist selections.
For complete information on the application selection process, read the “Application Review and Selection Process” page.
When and how will I find out if I've been selected?
If you have been selected as a Semi-finalist, you will be invited to Washington, DC in February 2013 for in-person interviews with the participating host Federal agencies. Fellowship offers will start to be made in March 2013. You will receive an email from Triangle Coalition, typically followed by an email from your host agency. Your Status page of your application account will also be updated to show that an offer has been extended to you.
If I don't get selected this time, will my application be reviewed again next year automatically or do I have to reapply?
You must reapply, and continue to meet the eligibilty requirements. Keep in mind you may apply up to 3 times within a six year period.
PARTICIPATION
What if I can only participate for a portion of the appointment period due to other commitments?
You must be able to participate in the program in Washington, DC, for the entire 11 month period. Personal travel and professional travel is allowed, but the dates and length of absence is subject to approval by your sponsoring agency and host office.
Is there any flexibility in start and end dates?
There little flexibility in the start and end dates. You must be able to start in late August with the orientation. You may be able to start a couple of weeks early; this will be up to your host office. You are expected to complete the full 11 - month term of the fellowship.
How often do I receive a stipend payment and where does it come from?
You will receive your stipend check according to a pre-arranged schedule of the host agency. It will vary from agency to agency. Once you have accepted an offer, you will be given a pay schedule.
What is my tax liability for the stipend I am paid as a Fellow?
The Federal agencies and Triangle Coalition cannot give participants tax advice. In general, all stipends paid to you are reportable to the Internal Revenue Service. Some agencies do not withhold taxes from these payments. Fellows will need to consider whether filing Form 1040-ES on a quarterly basis and paying estimated income taxes is necessary in order to avoid late payment penalties. Fellows should consult a tax expert with their questions as every Fellow’s situation is different. The orientation provided by Triangle Coalition may include a session with an external tax expert.
What kind of move/relocation reimbursement will I receive?
The total allowed moving or relocation costs will vary by agency. You will be reimbursed for inbound and outbound travel between your home and Washington, DC, if the distance is more than 50 miles one way. Some agencies may reimburse you for the full cost of moving, some may only reimburse up to a maximum dollar amount. It is recommended that you find out what your host agency’s policy is prior to making moving/relocation arrangements.
Do I have to attend all the professional development sessions?
It is expected that you will participate in these opportunities during your Fellowship unless special circumstances or commitments prevent you from doing so. These are generally considered a very enriching part of the fellowship experience and often provide the opportunity for you to meet with organizations, associations and experts who focus on STEM education issues who are located in the Washington Metropolitan area.
CONTACTS
Whom should I contact if I have problems or questions which I have been unable to resolve on-line?
You can send your questions to DOE here.