The CFR Education Ambassador program is an eight-month engagement that connects educators across the country with free educational resources, professional development activities, and a vibrant network of like-minded professionals who are committed to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and perspective to navigate today’s connected world. The program is led by CFR Education, the educational arm of the Council on Foreign Relations, which helps high school and higher education students understand and engage with today’s most pressing global issues.
CFR Education offers two programs:
- High School Ambassador program: This program is dedicated to high school teachers, department heads, and curriculum leaders who actively champion global affairs literacy in schools and districts across the United States.
- Higher Education Ambassador program: Focused on teaching practices and pedagogy, the higher education program is dedicated to professors, instructors, and administrators championing global affairs in colleges and universities across the United States.
Applications for the CFR Education Ambassador Program are currently closed. Applicants will be notified of their admission status by July 24, 2026. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.
Hear what CFR Education Ambassadors say about the program
- “The CFR Education Ambassador program is a lifeline to educators facing significant headwinds in higher education. Being able to connect and collaborate with like-minded professionals to improve teaching effectiveness with CFR Education resources has been invaluable.” - Keith Gehring, University of Denver, CO
- "The CFR Education Ambassador program combines the best of practicality and inspiration. Sharing ideas as well as challenges with colleagues from across the country provided monthly inspiration at a time when education, and the humanities specifically, remains undervalued." - Tracy McFarland, Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, TX
What are the perks for CFR Education Ambassadors?
✔ Join a prestigious educator program affiliated with the Council on Foreign Relations, the world’s leading global affairs think tank and publisher.
✔ Build a professional network by interacting with like-minded educators and sharing best practices in teaching global issues.
✔ Participate in professional development opportunities.
✔ Gain visibility: the chance to be featured by CFR Education on email, blog, or social media posts.
✔ Help shape and improve CFR Education’s award-winning educational resources
✔ Advance global affairs literacy around the world.
✔ Receive a certificate with professional development hours.
... and more!
Expectations
CFR Education Ambassadors are expected to
- participate in monthly meetings, including focus groups, product overviews, networking opportunities, and CFR expert insight. Ambassadors must attend at least three virtual meetings per year;
- actively use CFR Education resources and provide invaluable feedback;
- share their enthusiasm for teaching about global affairs, elevating the teaching of these subjects in their respective institutions; and
- spread the word about CFR Education resources with their community.
Who is eligible to be an Ambassador?
The High School Ambassador program is open to
- high school teachers and administrators based in the United States;
- high school teachers and administrators who incorporate global issues into U.S. and world history, geography, civics and government, economics, international relations and other related disciplines;
- educators who currently work at a private or public K-12 school, district, or regional or state agency; and
- those who are passionate about global affairs and committed to equipping students to navigate today’s connected world.
The Higher Education Ambassador program is open to
- higher education instructors and administrators based in the United States;
- faculty and administrators who incorporate global affairs into international relations, history, public policy, area studies, economics, law, environmental studies, public health, or other related disciplines;
- instructors who currently work at a private or public, two- or four-year educational institution;
- those who are passionate about global affairs and committed to equipping students to navigate today’s connected world.
Strong preference is given to applicants focused on teaching practices and pedagogy in the classroom.
Community Guidelines
CFR Education believes community guidelines are essential to fostering a positive, respectful environment, where every voice is valued. Participants in the CFR Education Ambassador program are expected to
- be inclusive, respectful, and non-judgmental;
- avoid qualitative comments about others’ perspectives;
- acknowledge differences of opinions in a civil manner;
- avoid dominating the conversation; and
- support the non-partisan nature of the Council on Foreign Relations and the CFR Education Ambassador program.
Ambassadors who do not follow these guidelines and adhere to the Council’s values during gatherings, whether virtual or in-person, will be subject to dismissal from the program.