NEST Fellowship

Program Overview

The Learning & Teaching Collaborative is accepting applications for the NEST Teaching Fellowship (Neurodiversity, Empowerment, Self-Determination, Teaching) a professional development program funded by the Worthington Faculty Awards Endowment. The NEST Fellowship for faculty focuses on creating more accessible and empowering learning environments for neurodivergent students. Fellows will participate in a cohort experience exploring topics such as neurodiversity, Universal Design for Learning and executive functioning. Starting in summer 2026, Fellows will meet for a week-long summer intensive. To apply their learning to the classroom, Fellows will also design or redesign at least one assignment or course component. Then, they will continue their learning in the 26-27 academic year through monthly meetings and by serving as faculty ambassadors for neurodivergent students. 

NEST Fellowship Goals

  • Cultivate a shared, cross‑disciplinary community committed to understanding, supporting, and advocating for neurodivergent learners at UW Bothell.
  • Equip faculty with evidence-based and learner-centered strategies related to neurodiversity, executive functioning, and inclusive course design.
  • Support fellows in designing or redesigning at least one assignment or course component that applies evidence-based pedagogical practices aimed at reducing challenges of learning in the college classroom and encouraging the self-determination and empowerment of our neurodivergent students. 

Eligibility

  • Any faculty member with a teaching contract through the 2026-2027 school year 
  • Faculty should be teaching at least 2 courses each academic year

Commitments

  • Participate in a week long fellowship training from August 3 – 7, 2026 from 10 – 2 PM
  • Produce a final project to integrate your learning into your teaching and course design and reconvene with the cohort for a meeting prior to the academic year
  • Participate in monthly meetings over the 26-27 academic year
  • Serve as faculty ambassador to support new neurodivergent student community building activities throughout the 26-27 academic year. This may include things such as leading a workshop or icebreaker for a new course focused on building study skills for neurodivergent students, attending a community building event, and/or sharing information with individual schools. 

Stipend

Fellows receive a $5,000 payment in three installments over completion of the year-long fellowship. Participants will also receive a letter detailing their participation and contribution to the program.

Apply

  • Application Deadline: Sunday, April 19, 2026 by 11:59 PM.
  • A maximum of 15 fellows will be selected to participate.
APPLY NOW FOR NEST Fellowship

Questions?

For more information and questions, contact Deborah Hathaway (djacoby@uw.edu), Director of Learning & Teaching.