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Fund for Teachers Welcomes Shital C. Shah to Its Board of Directors

The Fund for Teachers (FFT) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Shital C. Shah to its Board of Directors. FFT stands as one of the largest investors in PreK–12 educators across the United States, and Shah’s extensive experience in public education and partnership building aligns perfectly with FFT’s mission to empower educators through unique fellowship opportunities.

Shah’s commitment to advancing education is evident in her distinguished career. In her own words, she expressed her attraction to FFT’s mission: “I was drawn to FFT because of its mission to support educators' professional learning and growth, which directly impacts the academic growth of their students.” This foundational belief drives her passion and commitment to enhance educational experiences for teachers and students alike.

Having recently transitioned to the role of Senior Advisor to the CEO for Special Initiatives at United Way Worldwide, Shah has previously served as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Education under Secretary Dr. Miguel Cardona. Here, she played an instrumental role in shaping partnerships that address urgent educational issues—from K-12 education to workforce development. Her efforts led to the creation of significant programs such as the Engage Every Student Initiative and the National Partnership for Student Success, which aim at improving mentorship and tutoring opportunities in public schools.

Shah’s past experiences also include a decade as the Director of Philanthropic Engagement and Strategic Partnerships at the American Federation of Teachers, where she strategically aligned educational initiatives with key philanthropic goals. Furthermore, she has held a trustee position for the Education Law Center, deepening her exposure to education law and advocacy in the nonprofit sector.

In academics, Shah holds an M.S. in Nonprofit Management with a focus on social policy and has actively participated in the Peace Corps Fellows Program. Additionally, she earned dual undergraduate degrees in Environmental Studies and Religion from George Washington University, showcasing her multifaceted passions and interests.

Karen Eckhoff, Executive Director of Fund for Teachers, shared her enthusiasm for Shah’s appointment: “Throughout her career, Shital has played many roles from advocacy to activist – all in support of education and teaching. As Fund for Teachers steps into our 25th year, I am extremely pleased to welcome Shital to our Board of Directors.” This statement reinforces the positive impact Shah is expected to have on the organization.

Since its inception in 2001, Fund for Teachers has allocated over $37 million to support nearly 10,000 educators nationwide, transforming grants into meaningful learning experiences that benefit countless teachers and their classrooms. During the summer of 2025 alone, FFT awarded 354 teachers a collective $1.625 million for fellowships in 79 countries and across six continents. These fellowships aim to inspire innovative teaching practices and cultural exploration.

The new grant cycle for Fund for Teachers opens on October 1, with teachers encouraged to apply via their website at fft.fundforteachers.org. For more information on fellowship opportunities and the profound impact these initiatives have on educators, visit fundforteachers.org or follow Fund for Teachers on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

The journey ahead looks promising as Shital C. Shah joins Fund for Teachers in enhancing educational quality and equity through empowered teacher leadership and innovative learning opportunities.