AATG Supporting Next Generation of Educators
Investing in the Future of German Education: New Opportunities through TaF-DaF and GTTP
As AATG celebrates its Centennial and reflects on 100 years of advancing German education in the United States, the organization is also looking ahead. A strong future for German depends on a strong pipeline of educators, leaders, and advocates who are prepared to meet the evolving needs of students and communities across the country.
To support this vision, AATG is pleased to announce several opportunities for educators and aspiring teachers through the TaF-DaF Innovation Fellows Program and the German Teacher Training Pipeline (GTTP) initiative. Together, these programs are designed to strengthen the profession, cultivate leadership, and ensure that German language education remains vibrant for generations to come.
TaF-DaF Innovation Fellows Program 2027
The TaF-DaF Innovation Fellows Program invites twenty early-career K–12 German educators from across the United States to become part of a year-long leadership development experience focused on shaping the future of German education.
More than a traditional professional development opportunity, the fellowship challenges participants to think beyond their classrooms and engage with the broader question:
"What does German uniquely prepare students, institutions, and societies to do — and how do we build the ecosystem that makes that possible for everyone?"
Selected Fellows will receive a customized professional development experience at a Goethe-Institut in Germany, funding to attend the 2027 AATG Annual Conference in Madison, Wisconsin, mentorship opportunities, and access to a national network of educational leaders. The program is designed to support emerging educators at a critical stage in their careers and to invest in the next generation of leadership within the German profession.
Applications and nominations for the 2027 cohort are now open and will be accepted through October 1, 2026.
German Teacher Training Pipeline (GTTP)
Building a sustainable future for German education requires not only supporting current teachers, but also attracting and preparing the next generation of educators. The German Teacher Training Pipeline (GTTP) initiative was created to address this need by providing mentorship, training, resources, and financial support for individuals interested in pursuing careers in German language education.
This fall, AATG and the Goethe-Institut will offer three funded regional GTTP workshops designed for German learners, current educators, and students considering a teaching career. Participants will explore career pathways, connect with mentors, learn about professional opportunities, and gain practical tools for becoming leaders within the profession.
Workshop participants receive travel support, lodging, meals, and training materials, making participation accessible to a broad range of attendees.
You can apply for one of these workshops here!
In addition, AATG is launching a pilot GTTP Scholarship Program for undergraduate and graduate students preparing to enter the K–12 teaching profession. By reducing financial barriers and recognizing promising future educators, these scholarships aim to strengthen the German teacher pipeline and support the continued growth of German programs nationwide.
Eligible applicants include senior undergraduate students in German teacher preparation programs, student teachers, graduate students interested in K–12 teaching, and recent graduates. Applications will be accepted through September 30, 2026.
Apply for the GTTP Scholarship Here!
Looking Ahead
The future of German education depends on investing in people—teachers, students, mentors, and leaders who will carry the profession forward. Through initiatives such as the TaF-DaF Innovation Fellows Program and German Teacher Training Pipeline, AATG is committed to strengthening the profession and creating opportunities that will support German language education for the next century.
Together, these programs help ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for German education in the United States, and we are grateful to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Goethe-Institut for their support of these initiatives!
Make sure to keep an eye on our annual programs page for new program announcements!