(a)
In general
(1)
Establishment
The Secretary shall establish the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program (hereafter in this subchapter referred to as the “Program”) to provide 12 elementary or secondary school mathematics or science teachers with fellowships in each fiscal year in accordance with this subchapter.
(2)
Order of priority
The Secretary may reduce the number of fellowships awarded under this subchapter for any fiscal year in which the amount appropriated for the Program is insufficient to support 12 fellowships. If the number of fellowships awarded under this subchapter is reduced for any fiscal year, then the Secretary shall award fellowships based on the following order of priority:
(A)
Three fellowships in the Department of Energy.
(B)
Two fellowships in the Senate.
(C)
Two fellowships in the House of Representatives.
(D)
One fellowship in each of the following entities:
(i)
The Department of Education.
(ii)
The National Institutes of Health.
(iii)
The National Science Foundation.
(iv)
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
(v)
The Office of Science and Technology Policy.
(3)
Terms of fellowships
Each fellowship awarded under this subchapter shall be awarded for a period of ten months that, to the extent practicable, coincide with the academic year.
(4)
Eligibility
To be eligible for a fellowship under this subchapter, an elementary or secondary school mathematics or science teacher must demonstrate—
(A)
that such teacher would bring unique and valuable contributions to the Program;
(B)
that such teacher is recognized for excellence in mathematics or science education; and
(C)
(i)
a sabbatical leave from teaching will be granted in order to participate in the Program; or
(ii)
the teacher will return to a teaching position comparable to the position held prior to participating in the Program.