The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship program is designed to offer the individual the opportunity to serve in the national policy arena where he/she will bring to Congress or appropriate branches of the federal government the insights and practical experience of the classroom teacher.  The Fellow will provide a "real world" perspective to policy makers and program managers developing or managing educational programs.   

There is no such thing as a typical Fellowship experience!  Each agency offers different opportunities; and even within the same agency, the jobs and supervisors may not be the same.  The Fellowship is an opportunity to be creative, innovative, and open to new experiences. 

Dr. Carole Baldwin, star of Smithsonian IMAX Film "Galapagos," gives a behind-the scenes tour at the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum.

The Fellow will have designated responsibilities in the position; but as a Fellow, he/she should also be gaining experiences and insight beyond the job.  As a member of a congressional or agency staff, the Einstein Fellow will have the opportunity to gain a new perspective on the agency or position to which he/she is assigned.  The flexibility of the Fellow will enhance the experience.

In some agencies, it may be possible to obtain a clearly defined list of responsibilities before beginning the first day of work.  Many details may be outlined, including, work hours, job description, contact person, attendance requirements, leave time, employee parking, computer access, work area, and badges.  In other agencies, there is often a wait-and-see period while the adaptability and strengths of the individual are assessed.

Kevin Manning, Einstein Fellow from Tulsa, Oklahoma, helps Dr. Carole Baldwin of the Smithsonian lift the prehistoric Coelacanth from its storage tank.

Capitol Hill Fellows must wait for the details of their jobs.  After arriving in Washington, Fellows are interviewed by one or more Congressional office.  Once placed in an office, the Fellow's job responsibilities may become clearer, although some offices wait to assign duties until they have assessed the strengths of the Fellow.  Job duties on Capitol Hill may include attending hearings and briefings, answering constituent mail, organizing seminars, speaking with lobbyists and constituents, helping write a bill, preparing a speech for the Congressman, representing the Congressman, or advising him/her on educational issues.

The Einstein Fellows also have opportunities that supplement their fellowship experience. During the past year, the Einstein Fellows:

Visited NASA special events including Space Shuttle launches

Went on a "Behind The Scenes Tour" of the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum. They viewed rare fish species presented by the star of the IMAX film Galapagos and had a "hands on" experience with some of the rare gems from the national gem collection

Toured some of the U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories

Viewed several research projects under way at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Toured several laboratories of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and viewed work on the standards for irradiating anthrax spores in the U.S. mail

Toured the Library of Congress and received a private display and discussion about original documents such as George Washington's survey book and the Wright Brothers' telegram from Kitty Hawk announcing their historic flight

Visited the American Institute of Physics, the National Science Teachers Association, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and attended several press conferences, lecture series, and national forums related to science, math, and technology education