NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship

The NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship is a prestigious opportunity for early-career scholars to advance their research in education. This highly competitive program, funded by the Spencer Foundation and administered by the National Academy of Education (NAEd), supports 25 exceptional researchers annually with funding, mentorship, and professional development to make significant contributions to the field of education.

Key Details

• Application Opens: July 1, 2025
• Application Deadline: November 13, 2025, 5:00 PM ET
• Earliest Start Date: September 1, 2026
• Duration: Typically two years (full-time for one year or half-time over two years)
• Contact: [email protected]
• Award Amount: $70,000, disbursed in two installments
• Number of Awards: 25 fellows annually

Program Overview

The NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship supports early-career scholars conducting innovative research in education. This non-residential fellowship allows recipients to work at their home institution or another arranged research site. The program includes three key components:

• Funding: $70,000 to support one academic year of research (or $35,000 per year for two years if taken half-time).
• Professional Development: Participation in three NAEd-hosted retreats to enhance research skills and network with peers and senior scholars.
• Mentorship: Fellows select an NAEd member or another esteemed scholar as a mentor for guidance throughout the fellowship.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Educational Background: Hold a PhD, EdD, or equivalent research degree earned between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024. If you complete your doctorate in 2025, you are eligible for the next cycle.
• Career Stage: Must not hold tenure status at the time of the application deadline.
• Research Focus: The proposed project must focus on education research, though applicants from any academic discipline (e.g., anthropology, economics, psychology, sociology, etc.) are welcome.
• Application Type: Only individual applications are accepted; group applications are not allowed.
• Research Experience: Applicants must demonstrate a record of research experience in education.

Note: Non-U.S. citizens and non-residents are eligible, and institutional affiliation is not required.

Application Process

The application process involves four stages:

1. Initial Screening: NAEd staff review applications for completeness and relevance to education research.
2. Committee Review: In February, a selection committee evaluates applications, selecting 50–60 semifinalists.
3. Expert Evaluation: Two senior scholars in the applicant’s field review semifinalist applications and provide feedback.
4. Final Selection: In April, the committee selects 25 fellows. All applicants receive feedback by July.

Application Components

Applicants must submit the following through the NAEd online portal:

1. Background Information

• Demographic details
• Education and employment history
• List of scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, honors, and awards
• Publications and presentations relevant to education
• Language proficiency
• Completion of pre-dissertation requirements

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2. Career Statement

A narrative describing your journey to your current role, your interest in the proposed project, and how it aligns with your long-term career goals in education research.

3. Abstract

A single-spaced paragraph summarizing the project’s focus, research design, and contribution to education.

4. Project Description

A detailed proposal (max 10 double-spaced pages, 11-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins) including:

• Project goals and significance to education
• Theoretical grounding and relevant literature
• Research methods, data analysis, and interpretation techniques
• Context within a larger body of work
• A persuasive argument for both general and specialized audiences

Include a single-spaced bibliography (max 2 pages) and optional appendices (charts, graphs, etc.), though reviewers are not required to read appendices.

5. Example of Past Research

Submit a sample of previous education-related research (max 20 double-spaced pages, 11-point Times New Roman font). This can be a book chapter, article, or other work (published or unpublished). Reformatted journal articles are acceptable, but single-spaced, double-column formats are not. For longer works, submit an excerpt and provide a link to the full document.

6. Curriculum Vitae/Resume

Include:

• Education beyond high school (institution, location, major/minor, degree, dates)
• Employment history
• Awards and fellowships
• Publications and research relevant to education

7. Letters of Recommendation

Three letters are required, submitted online by recommenders. Notify recommenders early, as they share the same deadline (November 13, 2025). The system sends automated requests, but applicants should inform recommenders to check their inbox or spam folder.

8. Repeat Applicants

Provide a title and one-paragraph summary of previous NAEd/Spencer Fellowship proposals.

Funding and Usage

• Award Purpose: The $70,000 serves as salary replacement (not a supplement) and covers research-related expenses. Fellows must take leave from teaching or administrative duties during the fellowship period.
• Restrictions: No concurrent funding for the proposed project is allowed, including other Spencer Foundation grants. Unspent funds must be returned to NAEd.
• Administration: Fellows choose whether the award is self-administered or managed through an institution. No institutional overhead or indirect costs (e.g., office rent, IT, or administrative expenses) are covered.
• Flexibility: Specific budget details are finalized after acceptance.

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Tips for a Strong Application

• Clarity and Relevance: Clearly connect your research to education and its improvement, even if your field is outside traditional education disciplines.
• Broad Appeal: Write for both specialists and generalists, as reviewers come from diverse backgrounds.
• Resources: Consult the Spencer Foundation’s guides on writing successful research proposals, qualitative research design, and quantitative proposals. The Social Science Research Council’s “On the Art of Writing Proposals” is also recommended.
• Early Preparation: Start early to secure recommendation letters and refine your proposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I’m not from an education department?

Yes, applicants from any field are eligible if their research focuses on education and contributes to its understanding.

How does NAEd define education?

Education is broadly defined, encompassing formal and non-formal settings, early childhood through adult education, and U.S. or international contexts.

Can non-U.S. citizens apply?

Yes, non-U.S. citizens and non-residents are eligible.

Can I reapply if previously rejected?

Yes, eligible applicants may submit a new application.

When will I hear about my application?

Semifinalists are notified in May, and final decisions are made in April. All applicants receive feedback by July.

Can I accept other funding?

No, concurrent funding for the same project is not permitted during the fellowship period.

For more details and to apply, visit the NAEd website.