Copiague Middle School chairperson Dr. Allison Weller is one of 36 educators across North America who have been chosen to be part of the National Geographic Society’s 2026 Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship cohort. This year’s group will take part in global expeditions designed to strengthen their geographic knowledge and inspire students through real-world, field-based learning.
Supported by the Lindblad Expedition–National Geographic Fund, fellows will travel aboard National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions vessels to destinations such as the Arctic, Europe and the Mediterranean, the Galápagos and the Southern Ocean. The immersive experiences are intended to be brought back into classrooms to spark curiosity and expand global awareness among students.
The 2026 cohort represents educators from 22 U.S. states, Washington, D.C. and three Canadian provinces, with more than 570 combined years of teaching experience across subjects including science, geography, math, arts, music and languages. 
“I am using the experience to help create curriculum and resources that enhance geographic education, storytelling and civic mindedness,” Dr. Weller said.
Over the next two years, fellows will also support National Geographic education initiatives through webinars, resource development, mentorship and professional collaboration, helping to promote an explorer mindset and encourage students to engage with the world as active, curious learners.