North Kashmir teacher selected for Fulbright teaching programme

Srinagar, Oct 3: A government school teacher from north Kashmir’s Baramulla district has been selected for the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Programme 2025-26.

Sajad Akbar Rather, currently posted at Government Boys Higher Secondary School (BHSS), Bomai, Sopore, has been selected for the Fall 2026 Cohort, scheduled from September 9 to October 29, 2026, where he would represent India among a distinguished group of international educators.

The fellowship has been sponsored by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by IREX.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Rather said the selection process for this prestigious programme involved three rigorous phases, including submission of the application and initial screening, followed by a personal interview and the TOEFL test.

During his fellowship, Rather will engage in the university-level courses, specialised seminars on 21st-century teaching practices, observe and co-teach in US schools, and participate in a range of cultural and community activities.

Rather is a national awardee from NCERT (2018) and recipient of the UT Best Teacher Award (2022).

At his institution, he mentors students under the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) initiative and serves as a UT-level resource person in ICT with JK SCERT.

His research work has been widely presented at national conferences, highlighting innovative methodologies in the teaching-learning process.

“I owe my success to my mentors, colleagues, and students, who have been my constant source of motivation. I am thankful to my Principal, Abdul Qayoom Dar, for his guidance and appreciation of my efforts and to Fulbright alumni Waseem Aziz, Shaista Masoodi, and others for their timely support,” he said.

He thanked his family, friends, and students for their support throughout this journey.