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Study in Latin American | Smithsonian NESST Teacher Ambassadors 2027

May 20, 2026 8:35 am

Study in Latin American | Smithsonian NESST Teacher Ambassadors 2027

Teachers across Latin America searching for international professional development opportunities now have a new application window to consider. The Smithsonian Science Education Center has officially opened applications for the Latin American Teacher Ambassadors 2026-2027 Program under its global Network for Emergent Socio Scientific Thinking (NESST) initiative.

This virtual international educator program targets passionate K-12 teachers who want to explore sustainable development, global challenges, STEM innovation, and socio scientific education approaches alongside educators from across Latin America. The program especially encourages participation from teachers in Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, and Panama. However, educators from wider Latin American regions may also find the opportunity relevant.

For teachers hoping to strengthen their international academic profile, collaborate with global educators, and gain direct exposure to Smithsonian led educational innovation projects, this program could become one of the most attractive free professional development opportunities available for the 2026-2027 academic cycle.

What Is the NESST Latin American Teacher Ambassador Program

The Latin American Teacher Ambassador Program forms part of the broader NESST initiative, the Network for Emergent Socio Scientific Thinking. The Smithsonian Institution leads this initiative through the Smithsonian Science Education Center.

NESST aims to transform how science, sustainability, and complex global issues teach themselves in classrooms. Rather than focusing only on traditional STEM instruction, the initiative encourages educators and students to think critically about real world challenges such as climate change, sustainability, social systems, scientific ethics, and future global development.

Selected Teacher Ambassadors will work within a global educational network. This network includes teachers, scientists, educational innovators, youth leaders, and sustainability professionals.

The entire program will conduct itself virtually in Spanish. This makes it highly accessible for educators across Latin America who may not be able to travel internationally for training programs.

Why This Smithsonian Teacher Ambassador Opportunity Matters

International teacher development programs connected to globally recognized institutions like the Smithsonian remain relatively rare. Fully virtual initiatives targeting Latin American educators are even rarer.

Many teachers struggle to access international collaboration spaces because of travel costs, visa barriers, or limited institutional support. The NESST Teacher Ambassador Program removes many of those barriers by allowing educators to participate online while continuing their regular teaching responsibilities.

Participants gain access to an international educational innovation ecosystem. This can strengthen future academic, leadership, and curriculum development opportunities.

Teachers interested in sustainability education will particularly benefit. Interdisciplinary teaching approaches align well with this program. Future focused STEM learning connects directly to the curriculum. Global citizenship education also fits the program’s themes.

Benefits of Becoming a NESST Teacher Ambassador

Selected participants will gain access to several academic and professional development benefits throughout the 11 month engagement period. Here is what you receive:

Professional Collaboration Across Latin America: You collaborate with teachers from different Latin American countries while exchanging educational strategies, classroom experiences, and innovation ideas
Access to Smithsonian Educational Resources: You receive research based educational materials, curriculum resources, and best practices connected to science and sustainability education
International Networking Opportunities: You build connections with experts in science, sustainability, STEM education, and socio scientific innovation
Curriculum Development Experience: You help test, co create, and improve innovative educational content and classroom approaches that address complex global issues

Program Duration and Structure

The Latin American Teacher Ambassador Program will run from June 2026 until April 2027. Only 25 international K-12 teachers will receive selection for this cohort. This makes the opportunity relatively competitive.

The proposed program schedule includes several phases:

June to July 2026: Orientation and introduction
August to September 2026: Professional development through Smithsonian Science for Global Goals
October to December 2026: Building a collaborative educator community
December 2026 to April 2027: Group project work
March to April 2027: Future planning and closing activities

You must dedicate approximately 10 hours per month during the program period.

Eligibility Criteria

The Smithsonian Science Education Center seeks educators with specific qualities. Here are the requirements:

Interest in Global Issues: You want to explore local and global socio scientific challenges
Passion for Innovation: You care about educational transformation and new teaching approaches
Collaboration Readiness: You feel motivated to work with international colleagues
Community Representation: You are willing to represent your local community in a global forum
Commitment: You can commit to the full 11 month virtual program
Language Fluency: You speak fluent Spanish, as all meetings and communication will conduct themselves in Spanish

The program opens itself to both primary and secondary school teachers (K-12). Teachers from all subject areas may apply. You do not necessarily need to be a science teacher. Educators from humanities, social sciences, arts, environmental studies, and interdisciplinary teaching backgrounds may also find the program highly relevant.

Who Should Consider Applying

This opportunity particularly suits several educator profiles:

International Exposure Seekers: You want professional development beyond your local context
Sustainability Educators: You focus on climate and environmental education
STEM Teachers: You seek global collaboration experience in science and technology
School Leaders: You explore innovative curriculum approaches for your institution
Fellowship Applicants: You aim to strengthen future graduate study or fellowship applications
Global Citizenship Educators: You want to join international education initiatives

Because the program runs virtually, you do not need to relocate or obtain travel funding. This makes the program more accessible compared to many international educator fellowships.

How to Apply

Click Here to Apply

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the Latin American Teacher Ambassadors 2026-2027 Program offered by the Smithsonian Science Education Center is 25 May 2026. Visit the Smithsonian Science Education Center website today, review the full program details, and prepare your application before the May deadline.