Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellowships

Eligibility

Wisconsin K-12 public and private school teachers who demonstrate exceptional teaching, leadership, and community involvement. Nominations are submitted by principals or other school leaders — teachers cannot self-nominate. All grade levels and subject areas are eligible.

Program Goals

The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellowship is one of Wisconsin's most prestigious teaching awards. It recognizes outstanding educators who inspire students, innovate in the classroom, and contribute to their school communities. Each Fellow receives $6,000 personally and their school receives a $6,000 matching grant — totaling $12,000 in support per awardee.

Learn more at kohleducation.org

Application

Nominations open in fall with a January 5, 2027 deadline. Principals or administrators nominate teachers through the Kohl Foundation's online portal. The nomination includes a description of the teacher's instructional excellence, leadership, and student impact. Teachers should connect with their principal if they are interested in being nominated.

Cycle Notes

Annual award cycle with a January 5 deadline for nominations. Fellows are announced in spring. The $6,000 school grant is unrestricted and can be used for any approved school purpose — including curriculum, equipment, and professional development.

Award Amount

$6,000 personal fellowship to the teacher and a $6,000 matching grant to the school. The school grant is unrestricted, giving schools significant flexibility in how funds are used to build on the Fellow's work.

Allowable Purchases

The $6,000 school grant is unrestricted. Schools often use funds to expand or replicate what the honored teacher is doing. Forward Education products that support award-winning classroom innovation:

• Coding for Good Kit — Supports innovative CS and computational thinking instruction across grade levels.
• Climate Action Kit — Enables project-based environmental learning that represents the kind of teaching the Kohl Fellowship recognizes.
• Forward Education Learning Platform — Extends the impact of exceptional teachers by providing structured resources their colleagues can also use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a teacher nominate themselves?
No. The Fellowship requires a nomination from a principal, district administrator, or other school leader. Teachers interested in the award should speak with their principal.

Are private school teachers eligible?
Yes. Both public and private school teachers in Wisconsin are eligible for the Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship.

How is the $6,000 school grant used?
The school grant is unrestricted, meaning schools can use it for any approved educational purpose. Many schools use it to expand the recognized teacher's programs or purchase materials for other classrooms.

How many Fellows are selected each year?
The Herb Kohl Foundation selects approximately 100 Teacher Fellows across Wisconsin annually, making this a competitive but attainable recognition for outstanding educators.

Is this award taxable for the teacher?
The $6,000 personal fellowship may be taxable income. Teachers should consult with a tax advisor. The school grant goes directly to the school and is not personal income.