Entering its second year, the partnership between Penn GSE and the School District of Philadelphia continues to advance high-quality Algebra 1 instruction across the city.
Through this year-long fellowship, educators engage in research-informed professional learning, sustained coaching, and a collaborative community committed to strengthening student understanding and expanding pathways to future success.
How This Fellowship Strengthens Your Practice
The fellowship supports educators in strengthening their mathematics content knowledge, deepening their understanding of how students learn Algebra, and applying research-based practices using the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum. Fellows engage in collaborative learning, analyze student thinking, and implement high-leverage instructional routines to support conceptual understanding and procedural fluency. Assignments between sessions allow educators to apply learning directly in the classroom.
Program Benefits and Credentials
Participants who complete all components of the program will earn:
- $3,000 stipend from Penn GSE
- Compensation for professional development workshop participation (contractual PD participant rate)
- Certificate of participation from Penn GSE
- Three graduate-level continuing education credits
- 90 Act 48 hours
- Districtwide access to a professional learning community focused on Algebra 1 instruction
Eligibility
This fellowship prioritizes seats for classroom teachers of 8th grade Algebra and 9th grade Algebra 1 courses. A posting describing the eligibility criteria in more detail is shared annually by the School District of Philadelphia for teachers to apply. Educators may participate in only one cohort.
2026–2027 Fellowship Requirements and Details
Fellows must complete all required components to receive stipends, credits, Act 48 hours, and certificates.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Kick-Off Summer Institute | • Format: 4-day, in-person at Penn GSE • Two options: August 3-6 or August 10-13 • Daily schedule: 8:30 A.M.–3:30 P.M. E.T. |
| Monthly Virtual PLCs | • When: September 2026–June 2027 • Frequency: One hour per month • Flexibility: Multiple after-school options available |
| Professional Development Sessions | • When: During the 2026–2027 school year • Duration: 3 full-day sessions, 6 hours each • Dates: To be announced early 2026 |
| Ongoing Dedicated Coaching | • Provided by: SDP Dedicated Coaches • When: September 2026–June 2027 • Expectation: Active participation required. Approximately two meetings per month with a dedicated coach |
“I feel more confident teaching Algebra 1 than I ever have. The fellowship gave me concrete, usable routines that improved student engagement immediately.”
Contact Us
The application for the 2026-2027 cohort will be available in January 2026. For more information, send us an email.