NASHVILLE (AP) - The State Collaborative on Reforming Education says it is accepting applications for the Tennessee Educator Fellowship class of 2016-2017.

The collaborative, known as SCORE, said Monday it is taking applications for the program through April 8. An expanded class of about 50 teachers will be selected as fellows.

Tennessee Educator Fellows learn about policies, practices and systems that improve educator effectiveness and student achievement.

Those selected for the program are classroom teachers from urban, suburban and rural districts in each of Tennessee's three geographic divisions.

The fellowship was launched three years ago. SCORE says it has helped prepare 48 teachers for larger leadership roles while remaining in the classroom.