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Selection Criteria
A selection committee reads and evaluates all properly completed
applications in order to select the most promising applicants
and to identify a small number of alternates. (Seminar selection
committees consist of the seminar director, a school teacher
who is usually a participant in a previous NEH seminar, and
a colleague of the director. Institute selection committees
consist of three to five members, usually all drawn from the
institute faculty and staff members.) While recent participants
are eligible to apply, project selection committees are directed
to give first consideration to applicants who have not participated
in an NEH-supported seminar or institute in the last
three years (2006, 2007, 2008). Recent participation
in NEH’s Landmarks of American History and Culture Program
does not negatively affect eligibility or competitiveness.
The most important consideration in the selection of participants
is the likelihood that an applicant will benefit professionally
and personally. This is determined by committee members from
the conjunction of several factors, each of which should be
addressed in the application essay. These factors include:
- effectiveness and commitment as a teacher/educator;
- intellectual interests, both generally and as they relate
to the work of the project;
- special perspectives, skills, or experiences that would
contribute to the seminar or institute;
- commitment to participate fully in the formal and informal
collegial life of the project; and
- the likelihood that the experience will enhance the applicant's
teaching.
When choices must be made among equally qualified candidates,
several additional factors are considered. Preference
is given to applicants who have not previously participated
in an NEH seminar or institute, or who significantly contribute
to the diversity of the seminar or institute.
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