The National Academy of Education (NAEd) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 NAEd/Spencer Research Fellowship. These fellowships provide funding and professional development to early-career scholars whose projects address critical issues in the history, theory, or practice of formal or informal education, at the national and international levels. 

The NAEd/Spencer Research Fellowship awarded $100,000 to 12 fellows. 

“The NAEd/Spencer Research Fellowship is special because it enables recent NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship awardees to continue enhancing their scholarship while pursuing postdoctoral employment amid challenging job markets,” according to Okhee Lee, Chair of the NAEd Professional Development Committee. Dr. Lee emphasizes that “this fellowship is more crucial than ever given the recent dramatic declines in education research funding.” For Dr. Lee, “It is a privilege to work with our new fellows who will continue their scholarship and contribute to education research.” Dr. Lee expresses deep appreciation of the Spencer Foundation for generously supporting the research fellowship this year.

Learn more about the recipients.

Once more, congratulations!