James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation
President | Lewis F. Larsen | |
Location | 1613 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA | |
---|---|---|
Nickname | James Madison Foundation | |
Website | www.jamesmadison.gov |
The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation was established by the United States Congress in 1986 to encourage outstanding current and future secondary school teachers of American history, American government, and social studies in grades 7 through 12 to undertake graduate study of the roots, framing, principles, and development of the Constitution of the United States. The Foundation thus permanently commemorates the bicentennial of the Constitution and honors James Madison, fourth President of the United States and generally acknowledged "Father of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights."
History
As part of the bicentennial celebration of the U.S. Constitution, the Education Committee of the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution, chaired by Senator
Governance
The Foundation has a Board of Trustees made up of thirteen members. Twelve members are appointed for six-year terms by the President of the United States. The law specifies that two members of the Senate, two members of the House of Representatives, two members of the federal judiciary, one governor, two members of the general public, and three members from the academic community serve on the board. The Secretary of Education serves as an ex-officio member. With the exception of the federal judges and the Secretary of Education, the board is evenly divided between political parties.[2] Daily operations of the Foundation are directed by a president and a small staff. In 2010, Lewis F. Larsen was appointed President of the Foundation, replacing Paul A. Yost Jr., who retired as president after serving since 1990. The Foundation's office is located in Alexandria, Virginia.
James Madison Fellowships
Fellowship awards constitute the core of the Foundation's programs. The Foundation conducts an annual nationwide competition to select James Madison Fellows.[3] Fellows are selected for their academic achievements and for their desire to be more knowledgeable secondary school teachers of social studies and American history and government. Fellows must have demonstrated an interest in pursuing a course of study which emphasizes the Constitution and Bill of Rights and a willingness to devote themselves to teaching and to civic responsibility.[4] Applications are accepted online at the Foundation's website.
Selection
The Foundation selects at least one James Madison Fellow from each state, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Territories.[5]
An independent review committee appointed by the Foundation evaluates all valid applications and recommends, to the Foundation for appointment as a James Madison Fellow, at least one outstanding applicant from each state.[5] James Madison Fellowships are awarded to master's degree candidates as follows:
- Junior Fellowships to college seniors and graduates who wish to become secondary school teachers of American history, American government, or social studies for full-time graduate study toward a master's degree.[6] Junior Fellows are eligible for up to two calendar years of support with a maximum stipend of $24,000 prorated over the period of study. In no case can the stipend exceed $12,000 for one year of study.[7]
- Senior Fellowships to experienced secondary school teachers of American history, American government, or social studies for part-time graduate study during summers or in evening and weekend programs toward a master's degree.[6] Senior Fellows are eligible for up to five calendar years of support with a maximum stipend of $24,000 prorated over the period of study.[7]
Master's degree
Fellowship recipients may attend any accredited university in the United States with a master's degree program offering courses or training that emphasize the origins, principles, and development of the Constitution and its comparison with the constitutions and histories of other forms of government.[8]
Fellows pursue a master's degree that permits a concentration of study in American history, American government, or social studies.[9] The Foundation reviews each Fellow's proposed course of study for an appropriate balance of subject matter and other courses based on the Fellow's goals and background.[10]
Teaching obligation
All James Madison Fellows must agree to teach full-time in secondary schools for at least one year for each year of assistance.[11] If this requirement is not met, the recipient must reimburse the Foundation for all financial assistance plus interest.[12] The Foundation strongly encourages Fellows to return to their home state to teach.
Summer Institute on the Constitution
James Madison Fellows are required to attend, at the Foundation's expense, a four-week institute in Washington, D.C., during the summer following their first academic year of study under a fellowship.
James Madison Education Fund, Inc.
The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation is financially supported by the not-for-profit organization, "James Madison Education Fund, Inc."
Notes
- ^ "Public Law 99-591". Archived from the original on 2001-04-16. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
- ^ Public Law 99-591 Title VIII, Sect. 803
- ^ Title 45 CFR 2400.2
- ^ Title 45 CFR 2400.30
- ^ a b Title 45 CFR 2400.31
- ^ a b Title 45 CFR 2400.4
- ^ a b Title 45 CFR 2400.53
- ^ Title 45 CFR 2400.40
- ^ Title 45 CFR 2400.41
- ^ Title 45 CFR 2400.42
- ^ Title 45 CFR 2400.65
- ^ Title 45 CFR 2400.58
- ^ Title 45 CFR 2400.48
- ^ Title 45 CFR 2400.49
- ^ Title 45 CFR 2400.51
Sources
"Library of Congress". Archived from the original on April 16, 2001. Retrieved March 12, 2010.
"Justia.com US Laws". Retrieved March 12, 2010.
"Public Law 99-591 Title VIII, Sect. 803". October 30, 1986. {{cite journal}}
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