The following questions are answered below:

What is Action Research?

Action research is a process that teachers can use on an on-going basis to analyze the effectiveness of their instruction through data collection, evaluation, and reflection. The results of a teacher's research can have an impact on a classroom, the school, or an entire district.

What are the benefits of being a TNLI Fellow?

• Receive a $1,250 stipend ($1,450 with a Character Education Bonus. See below for details).
• Receive up to 68 CPDUs and 3 Lane Credits.
• Receive on-going instruction by a University professor on how to conduct action research.
• Conduct an action research project that will inform your own practice as well as educational policies on a school and district-wide basis.
• Be recognized as a teacher leader.
• Represent teachers nationwide as spokespersons for education policy issues.
• Increase knowledge of major challenges facing the teaching profession through readings and discussions with leading education policy experts.
• Become members of an online community of teacher leaders.

What are the responsibilities of a TNLI Fellow?

• Attend 11 four hour meetings and two individual conferences throughout the school year (attendance is required but every effort will be made to coordinate meeting dates with schedules of participating fellows).
• Devote a considerable amount of time outside of meetings collecting and analyzing data.
• Complete and be prepared to discuss approximately one assigned reading per meeting to support research efforts.
• Write a 10-15 page research paper detailing findings from your action research project.
  
• Write a two-page summary of research findings including policy implications and recommendations.
• Maintain weekly communication with TNLI Fellows and ensure access to the necessary computer equipment and internet connections.
• Present your research findings and policy recommendations at CFE's Creative Classrooms Workshop.
• Identify at least one additional venue for publicizing your research and policy recommendations.
• Participate regularly in local and national listserv communication.
• Participate on local advisory boards, panels, and task forces related to your action research topic.

What are Character Education TNLI Fellowships?

CFE will award a limited number of Character Education Bonuses to teachers willing to focus their action research on Character Education issues. Teachers who are awarded Character Education Bonuses will receive an extra $200 at the end of the school year. Other benefits and responsibilities remain the same.

How can I apply for a Character Education TNLI Fellowship?

On the application, check the box indicating that you would like to be considered for the Character Education TNLI Fellowship and answer any additional required questions. Teachers who receive Character Education TNLI Fellowships will be awarded $1,450. If you apply for but do not win a Character Education Bonus, you will still be considered for a $1,250 TNLI Fellowship.

What does the application and selection process consist of?

The TNLI application will be available in the spring and due at the end of the school year. All applicants will be notified of their status within one month of the deadline. At that time selected applicants will move to the next application phase, personal interviews. Mail completed applications, required attachments, and additional copies to: The Chicago Foundation for Education, 400 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 720, Chicago, IL 60611; fax (312) 670-2029. Feel free to contact Sarah Rossi at (312) 670-2037 if you have further questions.

If you would like to find out more about the Teachers Network Leadership Institute, please visit www.TeachersNetwork.org.