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Christa McAuliffe Sabbatical

Each year, the Christa McAuliffe Sabbatical awards a year-long leave of absence to an exceptional New Hampshire public school teacher. The sabbatical provides the teacher with the time, space, and funding to explore, through a self-designed project, new ideas and ways to enhance classroom teaching.

  • Eligibility

    Please refer to the Sabbatical Eligibility and Terms document to determine your eligibility.

  • Grant amount

    Equivalent to a full year’s salary plus FICA and project expenses up to $12,000. The school district will continue to provide the teacher’s full benefits as specified in the local master contract, including medical and retirement.

  • Previous recipients

    2023: Gregory Stott, earth science teacher at Frances C. Richmond Middle School in Hanover, NH

    2022: Elizabeth Cannon, Literacy Specialist at Harold Martin Elementary School in Hopkinton, NH

    2021: Eric Schlapak, math teacher at Dover High School

    See a complete list of previous award recipients.

  • Application deadline

    Friday, February 10, 2023, 5:00 pm Eastern time
    Online application opens Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Application and grant process

Step 1

Learn more about the program and determine eligibility.

Read the Sabbatical Eligibility and Terms document to determine your eligibility.

To learn more about the program or receive eligibility feedback, please contact Jessica Kierstead at Wrffvpn.Xvrefgrnq@aups.bet,

Step 2

Prepare your application materials.

The McAuliffe application is available online at ScholarshipSource on January 17, 2023. It is recommended that you prepare your questions and supporting materials (listed below) prior to beginning the online application. Download the following documents:

Applicants will be able to copy and paste essay answers into the application.

Step 3

Prepare your project budget.

It is recommended that you create this document in MS Excel. Need help? Download our Writing a Good Budget document.

Step 4

Collect three letters of recommendation.

Step 5

Complete the Verification and Consent Form.

Download the Verification and Consent Form. Prepare and obtain approval (and signature) from your superintendent.

Step 6

Prepare additional supporting materials.

Applicants are also required to provide a resume that details professional, volunteer and civic activities and accomplishments for at least the past five years. Other materials/documents that support your proposal may be submitted.

Step 7

Log in or create new profile on ScholarshipSource.

Simply go to ScholarshipSource and sign in or click on “First Time Users Create Account” to create an account.

Step 8

Complete online application by 5:00 pm Eastern time on Friday, February 10, 2023.

The online application on ScholarshipSource will be available on January 17, 2023.

Step 9

Invitation for a personal interview.

Finalists will be selected in late February and invited for an interview with the selection committee in March.

Step 10

Receive funding.

If your project is funded, you will be notified in late March.

We're here to help

  • Jessica Kierstead
  • Student Aid Officer