INFORMATIONAL

  In 1986, Congress initiated the Christa McAuliffe Fellowship
  Program to provide fellowships to encourage outstanding
  teachers to continue their education or to develop
  educational projects and programs for use in their
  classrooms.  The program was established to honor the memory
  of America's first teacher in space, who perished when the
  Space Shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after take-off in
  January 1986.  In accordance with the regulations governing
  implementation of the Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Program,
  the Virginia Department of Education has received a grant
  from the U.S. Department of Education in the amount of
  $33,275 to support the activities of the Virginia Fellow. 
  This will be the final year of the program, which was not
  authorized by Congress after 1997.
  
  One fellow and one alternate will be selected to participate
  in the program during the 1996-1997 school year.  The
  fellowship is intended to cover up to 12 months of academic
  study or to implement a special project.  Fellows may use
  awards for projects to improve their knowledge or skills and
  the education of their students, including: (1) sabbaticals
  for study or research, (2) consultation with or assistance
  to other school systems, (3) development of special
  innovative programs, or (4) model teacher programs and staff
  development.  Applicants are encouraged to develop programs
  in these categories that focus on implementation of the
  Standards of Learning.
  
  Application information regarding the Christa McAuliffe
  Fellowship Program is enclosed.  Should you have teachers
  who are interested in applying for a fellowship award,
  please have them complete the enclosed application and mail
  ten (10) copies on or before May 10, 1996, to:  Jo Smith
  Read, Education Specialist, Division for Compliance,
  Department of Education, P. O. Box 2120, Richmond, Virginia
  23216-2120.
  
  Your support of this program is encouraged and appreciated. 
  If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ms.
  Read at (804) 225-2096.
  
  WCB,Jr/jsr
  Enclosures:  A copy of this memo and its attachment will
               be sent to the superintendent's office.
  
  c: Public School Principals
     Accredited Nonpublic Schools