The Hollyhock Humanities Fellowship

The Hollyhock Humanities Fellowship is a year-long professional learning opportunity for experienced 8-12th grade social studies teachers in the NYC area.

Contents

Introduction
About the Fellowship
Success Data
FAQ
Apply and Nominate
Current Cohort

Fellows receive a $3,000 stipend and participate in a thoughtfully designed program that includes a summer seminar, school-year intersessions, and ongoing coaching—all focused on deepening content knowledge and instructional practice by advancing rigor, equity, and joy into every history lesson.

If you are passionate about teaching history and are excited to learn and grow in a community with other dedicated teachers, we invite you to apply!

Interested in learning more, nominating a teacher or applying?

Virtual information sessions are held weekly January–March and applications are open December–April.

“The Hollyhock Humanities Fellowship has been one of the greatest learning experiences of my teaching career. That is not hyperbole. This has been the first time I have gotten solid skills and content to grow my practice and engage my students intellectually. I have never felt more taken care of, heard and more at ease than at this program. You helped build better teachers and a great community. Thank you.”

Matt

Spring Creek Community High School

Reignite Your Passion for History

Engage with renowned historians

Participate in a paid summer seminar at the Museum of the City of New York

Enjoy exclusive field excursions to many more cultural institutions

Explore this year’s theme: Unfinished Revolution: The American Revolution and its Impact

"This was without a doubt the most impactful professional development experience I've had in my teaching career. I wish every teacher could have the experience to collaborate with peers from across the city, learn from such renowned and accomplished scholars, and be exposed to new research-backed teaching strategies from our amazing facilitators."

Ian

Repertory Company High School for Theater Arts, NY, NY

Reinvigorate Your Love for Teaching

Learn innovative pedagogy in close reading, discourse, and historical thinking

Access a wealth of resources, primary documents, and lesson plans

Receive supportive coaching throughout the school year

“So far this has been one of the best professional developments that I've attended. I have improved my craft more in the past few months than I have in my 10 previous years combined.”

David Nasser

KIPP Academy High School, Bronx , NY

Find Your People

Connect with an exciting, diverse community of dedicated social studies teachers

Join a network of alumni who continue to grow and collaborate together

Feel seen, heard, and valued!

“This program provided me with a community of like-minded individuals who help me feel seen and supported–a community of thought partners who are always willing to share resources and wisdom. I couldn't have asked for a better experience to reinvigorate my passion for teaching and history”

Joseph Davis

UA School for Applied Math and Science, Bronx NY

About the Fellowship

Who should apply

The Hollyhock Humanities Fellowship is open to:

8th–12th grade social studies teachers
With 3 or more years of classroom experience Even veteran educators with decades of experience have found the fellowship deeply enriching.
Based in the New York City area, Fellows are expected to attend in-person programming at the Museum of the City of New York and participate in school-based coaching throughout the year.

While the fellowship theme focuses on U.S. History, the pedagogy can apply to any social studies classroom. Almost half of our fellows teach Global and Gov/Econ.

We welcome teachers from district, charter, private, and parochial schools, and prioritize those working in under-resourced communities.

The Hollyhock Humanities Fellowship experience

Two-Week Summer Seminar

In late July, fellows engage in two weeks of professional learning at the Museum of the City of New York, grounded in rich historical content and pedagogy.

They learn from renowned historians, explore primary sources and artifacts, visit cultural organizations around the city, and participate in sessions on close reading, discourse, and historical thinking using the Four Question Method.

Four Saturday Intersessions

Fellows participate in four Saturday intersessions throughout the year—typically in October, December, March, and May.

These sessions build on the summer experience through practice labs and workshops that strengthen instructional skills, while also offering continued opportunities to engage with guest lecturers and collaborate with NYC cultural organizations.

Ongoing Coaching

Throughout the school year, fellows receive personalized instructional coaching as part of a supportive professional community. They’re observed in-person or virtually by expert coaches, share classroom videos and lesson materials, and engage in reflective conversations to strengthen their practice.

What resources does the Hollyhock Humanities Fellowship provide?

Stipend

$3000, disbursed throughout the Fellowship

Professional Education Credits

75 CTLE Continuing Education Credits and an opportunity for 4 A+ or P Credits.

Materials

Access to high-quality, resources, primary documents, and professional growth opportunities throughout the school year

2026-2027 Fellowship Dates

Summer Seminar

July 20 – July 31, 2026

School-Year Intersessions

Saturdays—October 3, December 5, 2026, March 6, and May 22, 2027

Content Focus

Unfinished Revolution: The American Revolution and its impact

Summer Seminar Faculty

Summer Seminar Activities

Cultural Institution Visits

Fellows will enjoy exclusive access to the Museum of the City of New York and visit other prominent institutions through guided tours led by curators and experts. These experiences include analyzing exhibition narratives and exploring classroom connections.

For example:

New York Historical Society
Tenement Museum
Inside Out Tours: Slavery and the Underground Railroad in NYC
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Fraunces Tavern and Museum
NYC Revolutionary Walking Tour

Program Satisfaction and Quality Outcomes

100%

Would Recommend the Program to Colleagues (NPS)

97%

Teaching Quality Rating

Average across all teaching quality metrics and all sessions

99%

Coaching Experience Rating

Average across all coaching metrics

*Based on participant surveys, July–December 2025 cohort

What Fellows Are Saying

"It has given me more in my career than any other professional development opportunity. It has given me community. Reignited my flame for teaching. Given me effective and accessible tools to incorporate into my practice, and surrounded me with loving and caring fellows and coaches."

Joseph

Urban Assembly School for Applied Math and Science, Bronx NY

“This fellowship ignited my flame and made me realize that teaching is truly an act of love and reminded me of why I became a teacher”

Clioria

Urban Assembly School for Collaborative Health Care, Brooklyn , NY

“The time I spent at Hollyhock I was able to engage in some of the most amazing pedagogical work that I've ever had a chance to engage in, in my 14 yrs teaching.”

Marion

George Washington Carver HS for the Sciences, Queens, NY

“The Hollyhock Humanities Fellowship has been transformative in helping me become a more effective and reflective educator for our children. Collaborating with teachers from across the city allowed me to share best practices, and support diverse learners, Most importantly, my classroom today is more dynamic, empathetic, and academically rigorous, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to think deeply, take risks, and grow."

Victor

Mount St Michael Academ

"This fellowship reminded me why I became a teacher in the first place. It pushed me to see my classroom not just as a place where content is delivered, but as a space where young people discover their own power through stories, questions, and dialogue. The fellowship gave me a community of educators who believe in justice and possibility, and that community has sharpened my practice. More than anything, it made me a more intentional teacher. one who is not only teaching skills but also helping students imagine and shape a more humane world."

Jeffrey

Brooklyn Preparatory High School, Brooklyn, NY

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I contact Relay about the Hollyhock Humanities Fellowship?

To request more information, please email us at jverrilli@relay.edu and put “Hollyhock Humanities Fellowship” in the subject line.

When are the Hollyhock Humanities Fellowship applications available?

Applications open December 1, 2025, with rolling admissions through April 6, 2026.

Should I apply if I am not sure I can make a commitment to participate in all activities in summer and across the year?

Full participation in the entire two-week Summer Seminar, as well as the year-long coaching and Saturday workshops, is a requirement. If you’re unsure about your ability to commit to all aspects of the program, we recommend applying in a future year when your schedule allows.

Is the Hollyhock Humanities Fellowship only for US History Teachers?

While the content focus of the Hollyhock Humanities Fellowship is U.S. History: Unfinished REvolution: The American Revolution and its Impact) all social studies teachers (including global, government, and economics teachers) are encouraged to apply.

A deep dive into a key historical period important for all educators.
Pedagogy sessions focused on skills like document analysis, close reading, discourse, and equity, which apply broadly across social studies.
Supportive coaching tailored to your specific curriculum.
The understanding that teaching careers evolve, and you may teach multiple history and teach U.S. History in the future.

Why is the Fellowship limited to teachers with at least 3 years of experience?

The program is designed for educators who have established foundational skills and are ready to deepen their practice through reflection, collaboration, and coaching, with an emphasis on growth as both teachers and potential leaders within their schools.

When are the Summer Seminar and the Saturday Intersessions?

The Hollyhock Summer Seminar will be held from July 20 - July 24 and July 27 - July 31 2026

Classes will run from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
There are no classes on the weekends.

The Saturday Intersessions will take place on:

Oct. 3, 2026
Dec. 5, 2026
March 6, 2027
May 22, 2027
Intersessions will run from 9:30am to 4:30pm

What is a typical day like at the Hollyhock Summer Seminar?

The Summer Seminar runs from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday for two weeks at the Museum of the City of New York, with additional opportunities for socializing and community-building activities in the evenings.

The day includes professional development sessions, where we’ll dive into content, engage in intellectual discourse on relevant topics, and focus on practice-based pedagogy.

Coffee, beverages, snacks, and lunch will be provided each day, along with afternoon trips to NYC’s renowned cultural institutions on select days.

Our goal is to foster a community of teaching professionals that extends well beyond the two-weeks.

What kinds of things do I need to do to prepare for the summer institute if I am accepted?

Fellows will be asked to write a brief biography about themselves for the website, as well as complete a few readings, including two books and specific documents from a collection of primary sources.

How are the CTLE credits I earn through the Fellowship documented?

Relay will email each Hollyhock Fellow a transcript with a record of the CTLEs earned after the summer and school year. This transcript can be used as verification of professional learning hours from the Fellowship.

*Please note that these are not graduate credits, as fellows are not enrolled as graduate students at Relay. Fellows are also responsible for sharing their own CTLE documentation with their school.

How can I contact Relay about the Hollyhock Humanities Fellowship?

To request more information, please email jverrilli@relay.edu and put “Hollyhock Humanities Fellowship” in the subject line.

Can I participate if I don’t live in New York City but teach nearby?

Yes—if you teach in the greater NYC area (NY, NJ, or CT) and can attend all in-person sessions at the Museum of the City of New York (including the Summer Seminar and Saturday intersessions), you are welcome to apply. The fellowship provides subway fares for local public transportation but does not cover housing or long-distance travel.

May I apply if I am a SPED or ESL teacher?

If you are a SPED teacher who teaches social studies content to students in grades 8–12 and meet the other eligibility criteria, you’re welcome to apply. At this time, we do not offer separate sessions for SPED or ESL teachers.

Apply and Nominate

Information Sessions

We encourage you to attend an information session prior to applying. Virtual information sessions are held weekly, in the evenings, between January–March.

January

Thu Jan. 8, 2026, 6 - 6:30 pm
Wed Jan. 14, 2026, 6:30 - 7 pm
Tue Jan. 20, 2026, 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Thurs Jan. 29, 2026, 6:30 - 7 pm

February

Wed Feb. 4, 2026, 6:30 - 7pm
Tues Feb. 10, 2026, 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Thurs Feb. 26, 2025, 6:30 - 7pm

March

Wed Mar. 4, 2026, 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Thurs Mar. 12, 2026, 6:30 - 7 pm
Thurs Mar. 19, 2026, 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Wed Mar. 25, 2026, 6:30 - 7 pm
Tues March 31, 2026

If you can’t make an info session, you can always ask us questions via the interest form

Nominate a Teacher

Know a teacher who would be a great fit for this program? Nominate them, and we’ll personally invite them to apply. If they do, you could receive a $25 referral bonus!

Application Information

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Teach social studies or history in grades 8–12 (Teachers from any curricula are welcome – including government, economics, US history, and world history)
Have 3+ years of teaching experience
Maintain at least a part-time teaching role at their current school throughout the fellowship
Attend the full Summer Seminar
Fully participate in and prepare for all school-year coaching sessions and Saturday workshops
Have access to a laptop that supports the required technology
Preference will be given to teachers in under-resources schools where more than 50% of students receive free or reduced-price lunch.

Criteria for Selection

We are looking for educators who demonstrate:

A belief in equitable outcomes for all students
A belief in personal responsibility to work for those equitable outcomes for all students
Demonstrated growth mindset to continuously improve with openness to feedback and a willingness to practice and to be videoed while teaching.
Investment in collaborating with a community of colleagues
Support from school administration to participate fully during the summer seminar and school year and bring what you learned back to your school
A strong belief in equitable outcomes for all students
A commitment to personal responsibility in working toward those outcomes
A growth mindset and openness to feedback, including a willingness to practice and be recorded while teaching
Enthusiasm for collaborating with a community of educators
Support from school leadership to participate fully and bring learning back to their school

Application Timeline

Applications open December 1, 2025, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis through April 6, 2026.

Round 1: Apply by February 9, 2026 (notifications by February 23)
Round 2: Apply by March 9, 2026 (notifications by March 23)
Final Round: Apply by April 6, 2026 (notifications by April 20)

2025-26 Hollyhock Humanities Fellows Cohort

Hollyhock Humanities Fellowship is excited to welcome these 44 educators from NY and NJ to learn and grow together as a community. Click on their photos below to see their Teaching Superpower!