U.S. DOE Office of Science (SC)

The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship (AEF) Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science, places accomplished K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educators in federal agencies and congressional offices for a 10-11 month fellowship in Washington, D.C. Established in 1994, the program was created to bring the practical expertise of classroom teachers into the national policy arena, ensuring that decisions affecting STEM education are informed by those who understand its daily realities. Fellows contribute to policy development, program implementation, and educational outreach, while gaining firsthand experience in the federal legislative and executive branches. The program's core mission is to foster leadership and bridge the gap between classroom practice and national policy, ultimately enhancing STEM education across the country.