Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this a paid fellowship?
Yes, each Fellow is provided with a stipend.  The stipend is issued at the end of each month.  

Is my stipend taxable?
The monthly stipend is considered taxable income; however, each individual's situation is unique with regard to overall tax liability. Fellows are responsible for paying taxes on their stipend income and should budget accordingly. Each Fellow will be issued a 1099 Form to be used when filing income taxes.  Additional information on stipend earnings can be found in IRS Publication 520.  The Triangle Coalition staff is not qualified to advise Fellows on tax issues. Please consult a tax advisor.

 Is tax withheld from my stipend payment?
No. However, the stipend is taxable. Filing and paying taxes (on the stipend along with all other yearly income) is the sole responsibility of the individual Fellow. 

Will travel and moving expenses be covered?
You have two additional budgets available to you:  1) a moving budget, and 2) a professional travel budget.                                      

The moving budget provides financial assistance to:

1) Move to and from Washington, D.C.
2) Travel "home" during the Fellowship period. (Note:  "Home" is defined as your primary residence; that from which you moved at the beginning of your Fellowship.)

The professional travel budget provides for:

1)   costs incurred while attending supervisor approved professional meetings, workshops and/or conferences  

Can you tell me about the cost of living in the DC metro area?
The cost of living in the DC area, as with most metropolitan areas, is above average. There are many sources of information online which address the relative costs of DC area goods and services.
The cost of housing in the DC area can be a significant factor in your budget. It is recommended that each Fellow contact housing offices, managers or realtors personally for updated housing information. Rental costs vary by location, size and quality, and tend to change regularly. (*See Housing section below for first hand recommendations from Past Fellows.)

 What should I do about health insurance?
The Triangle Coalition does not provide health insurance; each Fellow must secure his/her own coverage.  Fellows should first consult with their respective school districts regarding possible options for continued health insurance coverage.  If insurance is not available through the school district, it will then become necessary to seek other options.  It is highly recommended that you resolve this issue soon after accepting a Fellowship position.  It may take several weeks for a new health insurance application to be processed through an independent agency.  Research the following: deductible/co-pay and local/private health insurance providers.

 How long does the Fellowship last?
Generally, most Fellowships last for 10 months. However, Fellows currently serving at NSF are on an 11 month assignment.  

What arrangements for leave do teachers make with their School Districts?
Teachers usually take a leave of absence or sabbatical in order to participate as a Fellow. However, some teachers have resigned their positions in order to participate.

 How do I apply?
Applications are accepted on-line beginning in October each year through the U.S. Department of Energy website. Applications close in mid-January of the following year. Please see the website for specific dates.

Are there any requirements I must meet in order to apply?
Yes. You must:

  • Be a U.S. Citizen at the time of selection.

  • Have a minimum of 5 years full time classroom teaching experience.

  • Have spent 5 of the last 7 years in a full time teaching assignment.

  • Have a current teaching assignment with a least ¾ of classroom contact hours in science, mathematics and or technology (applies to secondary school teachers only).

How many fellows participate in the program each year?
The number of Fellows varies each year according to agency involvement. Currently, there are 17 Fellows in the program.

 How are placements made?
In March of each year the highest scoring candidates are provided with an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. for interviews. Placement opportunities vary slightly year to year- but may exist with the DOE, NASA, NSF, NIH, NIST, NOAA, and on Capitol Hill. There are two types of placements: within a Federal Agency or on Capitol Hill. For Federal Agency placement, representatives from those agencies will interview each candidate for approximately 45 minutes and then inform Triangle Coalition of their selections. If two or more agencies desire the same candidate, the candidate has the final say. The Triangle Coalition, on behalf of the agencies, informs candidates of their status. For Capitol Hill, the U.S. Department of Energy selects candidates. Triangle Coalition then sets up interviews with Capitol Hill offices and coordinates the interview process among the Hill offices and the Capitol Hill Fellows. These interviews take place in the summer. If two or more offices want the same candidate, the candidate has the final say.

 What is a typical workday like?

For an Agency Fellow:
In agencies, you may be asked to prepare memos, help plan meetings of grant recipients, "fine tune" a website or other documents for teacher and student use, do hands-on research, read proposals, or write summary documents on science education. It will be important for you to understand the "official policy" of the office, as you are now a representative of that office and will be working within those parameters. You will review office procedures and protocols with your supervisor at the beginning of your Fellowship. You will be granted time off for Fellowship sponsored events, and may attend other events with your supervisor’s approval.

For a Capitol Hill Fellow:
On the Hill, you may write talking points, contribute to workshops, research a particular science/math education issue, attend hearings, draft legislation, meet with constituents/constituent organizations, or write letters to other members of Congress. Part of your job may be to meet with lobbyists and then write a memo or talking points for your Congressperson about the meeting. You will note and often attend evening receptions offered by agencies and special interest groups.

Will I need security clearance for my Fellowship?
A Fellow must have security clearance and a security badge to work in a Federal agency or on Capitol Hill. Requirements for obtaining both the clearance and badge vary by agency. A full background check may be required. Your individual supervisor will inform and assist you.

What are the dress requirements?
Although dress codes may vary somewhat by agency, you are expected to wear business attire or business-casual attire to your office.  Suits, sports jackets and ties for the men and business suits (skirts or pants) for the ladies are considered appropriate.

Will I need a car?
This is a matter of choice. The advantage of having a vehicle is for shopping and for day trips outside the service of public transportation. The disadvantages include the notorious traffic congestion and the expense (and even availability) of parking. There is a subway system that services DC, Virginia, and Maryland. The system, called the METRO, provides relatively close access to most offices. The DC area bus system is also a viable option. For more information on DC area mass transit, visit www.wmata.com.

Is the METRO system safe?
The METRO system is considered a safe and reliable form of public transportation.  It is used extensively for both business and pleasure.

Do Fellows bring their families?
This is a personal decision.  Many Fellows come to DC alone due to job/school obligations of family members back home.  Others bring their families along.  Children attend local schools.  Many choose to bring their children to allow them exposure to the unique cultural and historical opportunities offered by the area.

Can you tell me about housing?
The Triangle Coalition does not provide nor does it locate housing for the Fellows. Each Fellow is responsible to secure his/her own housing prior to the start of the Fellowship.  You will be given the opportunity to sense the variety of sizes, costs and locations when you are in DC for the interviews in March.  At that time, some of the current Fellows will provide housing information as well as tours of their residences.

Housing options abound in the DC/Virginia/Maryland area.  You may wish to visit the following sites for more information:

Here's What Past Fellows Have Said About Their Housing Situations.

NSF Fellow Says:

  • Renting can be as much as twice your house payment 'back at home' so be prepared for the shock!

  • Arrangements for apartments can be done online rather than making a second trip back to the Washington, D.C. area. (I found mine online and did all the research at home)

  • Location and convenience are worth the price.  It is nice to be as close as possible to work and a metro station (I am across the street from work and across another street from the metro station with no car.)

  • Consider location if you want to go 'home' for lunch or take care of family business during the day back at home.

  • I really like having a full size washer and dryer IN the apartment rather than down the hall or in the basement or a laundry room.

  • Consider renting from a company where the utilities are included. Less bill paying and hassle...it is all one price.

  • You will need high-speed Internet access. You either pay for it separately or some companies include it in the rent.

  • I can walk across the street to ride the metro to Washington Reagan National Airport for travel. If I need to take a taxi it is only about a 15-minute drive.

Capitol Hill Fellow Says:
For me living in Northwest is perfect. I walk about a mile and 1/2 and then take a 15 min. ride on the Metro Red line. The best source for finding apartments in this area is through the City Paper. It can be found on line on Tuesdays before it is printed on Thursdays. A car is almost pointless. Parking on the hill is horrendous. I have a lot of parking where I live, but find it is easier to just take the Metro. The only time a car is beneficial is getting groceries or getting out of the city for a break. Questions to ask as you begin looking – Is the apartment located near the metro? (For Capitol Hill Fellows:  Is it near the red line (Senate) or orange or blue line (house).) Is it a safe neighborhood to walk at night?

NSF Fellow Says:
I strongly urge you to consider an apartment near to the NSF building (in Ballston).  It may be a bit pricey, but it is great to be located near where I work. I would suggest picking up an "Apartment Guide" (at nearly any street corner) when you are in DC for the interviews.   I used one to secure my apartment. Prices, locations, websites, and phone numbers are included. (I did most of my apartment searches online followed up by phone calls.) Another source would be the latest apartment guide from the Washington Post (or other newspaper). The photos and prices in the guides and papers are helpful.

Department of Energy Fellow Says:
Some may not like the commute, but my FAMILY is very happy out at Merrifield (one stop short of the end of the orange line in VA). The apartment complex has two nice pools and the school seems really good for the elementary kids. It is only 2 blocks form the metro stop and a 30-minute ride to DOE HQ.

NASA Fellow Says:
Hot Tips for Searching for a place to stay in DC:
Make sure you are within access of a metro, pharmacy, and grocery store if you do not have a car. The place where I stay has all of these things right across the street. Do your research on apartment sites BEFORE coming to DC and, if possible, plan a short trip over the summer to actually see about 10 of them before making a decision. I used: www.apartments.com to search for apartments. It had a search function that could narrow your search to areas you want to look at, price range, and amenities. It also showed you the places online. Desirable areas to look: Crystal City, Ballston, Pentagon City.... but they're not cheap. However, safety and convenience are ALL worth the extra price you may pay for these areas. Look for apartments that give 10-month leases...or 6 months and then renewable monthly. We rented for a year but it ended in July. It all depends on how early you need to get here.

NSF FELLOW (with pets) SAYS:
Since I had pets I had a difficult time until I went to Rent.com on the Internet. It not only lists pets put actually tells which will accept dogs as well as cats. Some list "pets" and when you call or visit you find they only take cats.

How can I get information about the different neighborhoods?
 You can find information about the DC area online by searching for the name of the county or city. The web sites listed above may be helpful as well.  Safety statistics are available from the appropriate local police departments, which can be accessed online, or at the following phone numbers:

  • Washington, D.C. 202-727-1000

  • Arlington County, VA 703-558-2222 or 703-228-4040

  • City of Alexandria, VA 703-838-4444

  • Fairfax County, VA 703-691-2131

  • Fall Church City, VA 703-241-5053

  • Montgomery County, MD 301-279-8000

  • Prince George's County, MD 301-336-8800

Is it possible to room with somebody?
Obviously, rooming with someone saves on living expenses. It is not uncommon for Fellows to share housing. If you are interested in doing so, be sure to discuss this with other candidates during the interview period.

Should I Bring or Rent Furniture?
It is recommended that you compare costs and services. However, most do not bring furniture with them to DC.  Some Fellows recommend renting furniture, while others recommend purchasing inexpensive basics at local stores (then selling them when finished).  Keep in mind that furnished rental units are also available throughout the area. 

Who provides the funding for the program?
The participating Federal agencies award grant funding to the Triangle Coalition to coordinate the program. The U.S. Department of Energy funds all DOE and Capitol Hill Fellows in addition to the annual selection/interview process.

What's the Triangle Coalition's role in my Fellowship?
The Triangle Coalition helps coordinate the selection process, issues stipend and reimbursement payments, advertises the program, publicizes the program, arranges monthly professional development opportunities for the Fellows, arranges interviews for Capitol Hill Fellows, designs the Fellows Directory and Guidebook, creates and sends out press releases for new Fellows, maintains the Einstein Fellows Program site on the Triangle Coalition webpage, provides an orientation session for new Fellows, collects progress and final reports for the sponsoring agencies, and coordinates a final poster session at the end of the fellowship period.

 What's the Department of Energy's role in my Fellowship?
The Department of Energy is the administrator of the program. It is the lead agency in Federal support- funding not only the DOE/Capitol Hill Fellows but the 3-day interview process for all fellowship candidates each year. The agency was selected in 1994 to be the administrator under the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Act. DOE hosts a National Science Bowl each May and you may be asked to volunteer.

What can I do to prepare for the program?
Begin by visiting www.trianglecoalition.org/ein.htm. In addition, you will be sent information over the summer from the Triangle Coalition which will be helpful in preparing for your Fellowship. In the meantime, you should research housing and moving options (be sure to keep all receipts associated with the relocation to and from D.C.) Agency Fellows should go to the website of their respective agency for information related to education programs and policies. Those selected as Capitol Hill Fellows should visit the following web sites:

What should I do before coming to the DC metro area?
If possible, contact previous Fellows (see “past Fellows” on this website) and ask them about their experiences.  Also, if possible, come out a week or two prior to beginning your Fellowship so you can get a "feel" for your new environment. Check out these suggested websites:

Are activities organized for the Fellows?
Yes. Monthly professional development opportunities are organized for the Fellows. Fellows are also frequently invited to other special events – receptions, lectures, press briefings, workshops, etc.  A welcoming dinner, Holiday Party, Poster Session reception, and "farewell dinner" are also held each year.

 How can I find out more about the program and the people who have been Fellows?
Explore the Triangle Coalition website. If you are unable to find the answer to your questions, e-mail us.

What makes a good Fellow?
First of all, understand that being an Einstein Fellow is vastly different from being a classroom teacher. You will leave behind the education world with which you are familiar and comfortable, and enter a world which operates much differently. Therefore, a good Fellow should demonstrate independence, self-reliance, initiative, flexibility and motivation. Your experience will depend in large measure on your openness to new opportunities and challenges. The Fellowship is broader than the work that you will do for your assigned office; a good Fellow will take advantage of every opportunity, inside and outside the office, to grow personally and professionally.

Can I grow as a professional?
This is one goal of the program. Each Einstein Fellow is already a highly accomplished educator. Your professional experiences can lead to a broader involvement in affecting science and math education policy and program operation. You will be involved with education policy and programs on a level not afforded through your classroom experience. You will learn much about education on a national level. In addition, Fellows have built key relationships with people they have met during the Fellowship. These networks can be professionally beneficial (and personally rewarding) long after the Fellowship ends.