Smithsonian NESST Latin American Teacher Ambassadors 2027 Open for Educators

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 is designed for 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, although 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 is part of the broader NESST initiative — the Network for Emergent Socio-Scientific Thinking — led by the Smithsonian Institution through the Smithsonian Science Education Center.

NESST aims to transform how science, sustainability, and complex global issues are taught 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 that includes teachers, scientists, educational innovators, youth leaders, and sustainability professionals.

The entire program will be conducted virtually in Spanish, making 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 are relatively rare, especially fully virtual initiatives targeting Latin American educators.

Many teachers often 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.

At the same time, participants gain access to an international educational innovation ecosystem that can strengthen future academic, leadership, and curriculum-development opportunities.

Teachers interested in sustainability education, interdisciplinary teaching, future-focused STEM learning, or global citizenship education may particularly benefit from this experience.

Benefits of Becoming a NESST Teacher Ambassador

According to the program details, selected participants will gain access to several academic and professional development benefits throughout the 11-month engagement period.

• Professional Collaboration Across Latin America: Participants will collaborate with teachers from different Latin American countries while exchanging educational strategies, classroom experiences, and innovation ideas.
• Access to Smithsonian Educational Resources: Teacher Ambassadors will receive access to research-based educational materials, curriculum resources, and best practices connected to science and sustainability education.
• International Networking Opportunities: The program allows educators to build connections with experts in science, sustainability, STEM education, and socio-scientific innovation.
• Curriculum Development Experience: Participants may 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 be selected for this cohort, making the opportunity relatively competitive.

The proposed program schedule includes:

• 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

Participants must be able to dedicate approximately 10 hours per month during the program period.

Eligibility Criteria

The Smithsonian Science Education Center is looking for educators who are:

• Interested in exploring global and local socio-scientific issues
• Passionate about educational innovation
• Motivated to collaborate internationally
• Willing to represent their local communities in a global forum
• Able to commit to the full 11-month virtual program
• Fluent in Spanish, since all meetings and communication will be conducted in Spanish

The program is open to both primary and secondary school teachers (K-12), and teachers from all subject areas may apply.

This means applicants do not necessarily need to be science teachers. 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 may be particularly useful for:

• Teachers seeking international professional development exposure
• Educators interested in sustainability and climate education
• STEM teachers wanting global collaboration experience
• School leaders exploring innovative curriculum approaches
• Teachers aiming to strengthen future fellowship or graduate study applications
• Educators interested in global citizenship education initiatives

Because the program is virtual, applicants do not need to relocate or obtain travel funding, which makes it more accessible compared to many international educator fellowships.

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the Latin American Teacher Ambassadors 2026-2027 Program offered by the Smithsonian Science Education Center is May 25, 2026.