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There are various scholarships for teachers, both current and aspiring educators. However, though teaching is one of the most important professions, becoming a teacher in the United States can be difficult financially.
Obtaining a master’s or another advanced teaching-related degree can be costly, and many entry-level teaching positions do not pay enough to make these degrees affordable.
Fortunately, there are programs available to help alleviate this burden, such as teacher scholarships and loan forgiveness.
We’ve gathered the best scholarships for teachers to help you make your teaching dream come true, whether you’re a current teacher looking to further your education or a recent graduate looking for scholarships for another education program.
List of Scholarships for Teachers
Here are a few examples of top scholarships available for teachers:
1. TEACH Grant
The TEACH Grant is a federal program that provides up to $4,000 per year in grants for students who are completing or plan to complete the coursework necessary to become teachers.
Recipients of the grant must agree to teach in a high-need field in a low-income area for at least four years.
Application Requirements and Deadline
To apply for the TEACH Grant, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet certain academic requirements.
They must also sign a service agreement to teach in a high-need field in a low-income area for at least four years. The deadline to apply for the TEACH Grant is typically in late June or early July of each year.
2. Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program
The Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program is a fellowship program for K-12 teachers to participate in a professional development and cultural exchange program in a different country.
The program also provides opportunities to develop new skills, share expertise with international colleagues, and bring global perspectives to their home schools.
Application Requirements and Deadline
To apply for the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program, applicants must be full-time K-12 classroom teachers with at least five years of teaching experience.
They must also be U.S. citizens and have a master’s degree or equivalent. The application deadline is typically in February or March of each year, and awards are announced in the spring.
3. National Board Certification Scholarship
The National Board Certification Scholarship provides financial assistance to educators seeking National Board Certification, which is a recognized credential for accomplished teachers.
Additionally, the scholarship covers the cost of the certification process, including fees, assessments, and professional development.
Application Requirements and Deadline
To apply for the National Board Certification Scholarship, educators must have completed the National Board Certification process or be enrolled in it.
They must also provide evidence of financial need and a commitment to serving high-need students. The application deadline is typically in the fall of each year, and recipients are announced in the spring.
4. Fund for Teachers
Fund for Teachers is a nonprofit organization that provides funding for educators to participate in self-designed professional development experiences.
Also, the organization believes that teachers are best equipped to design their own learning experiences to enhance their teaching practice and, ultimately, improve student outcomes.
The Fund for Teachers awards grants of up to $5,000 per individual and up to $10,000 per team to support teachers’ professional growth and learning.
Application Requirements and Deadline
To apply for the Fund for Teachers grant, educators must be full-time pre-K-12 teachers with at least three years of teaching experience.
They must also have the support of their school or district, and their proposed professional development plan must demonstrate clear learning objectives and relevance to their teaching practice.
The application deadline is typically in January of each year.
5. American Association of Physics Teachers
The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) is a professional organization dedicated to enhancing the understanding and appreciation of physics through teaching.
AAPT offers various scholarships and awards to physics teachers at all levels of education, including the Barbara Lotze Scholarship for future physics teachers and the AAPT/PTRA (Physics Teaching Resource Agents) program that provides professional development opportunities for teachers to improve their physics teaching skills.
Application Requirements and Deadline
Additionally, to apply for scholarships and awards from the American Association of Physics Teachers, applicants must be AAPT members and meet specific eligibility requirements for each award.
Deadlines and application requirements vary by award and are typically announced on the AAPT website.
Applicants should check the website for the most up-to-date information.
These are just a few examples of the many scholarships and grants available for teachers. It’s always a good idea to check with professional organizations, universities, and other institutions in your area for additional opportunities.
