Scholarships For Future Teachers | Learn.org

Working as a teacher can be an amazing experience. You're giving learners the academic background necessary for a great career after graduating. Educators also teach students the social skills to navigate adulthood successfully.

Becoming a teacher at a public school typically requires a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or elementary education � middle school teachers might need a degree in elementary education, depending on the school. Secondary school teachers often earn degrees in an individual subject like math or chemistry. People who want to teach special education usually earn a major or minor in special education.

Many students are eager to start a teaching career but aren't sure how to pay for a college degree. Aspiring teachers can apply for merit-based, need-based, national, organizational, and other education scholarships to pay tuition and related fees. Below, is an overview of great scholarships for students ready to become teachers.

Types of Scholarships for Future Teachers

Scholarships are forms of financial aid college students can use to avoid paying high tuition costs out of pocket. Education scholarships typically aren't one-size-fits-all. You can find awards based on merit, financial need, and subject area. The following list outlines the scholarships you could encounter as an aspiring teacher.

• Merit-based scholarships: financial assistance students receive based on achievements like GPA, community service, leadership potential, and citizenship
• Need-based scholarships: free funds for students in need of financial support who meet criteria like low-income
• Subject-specific scholarships: awards to support students studying specific subject areas
• Minority scholarships: funds provided to students belonging to specific minority groups

You can find scholarships from nonprofits, federal agencies, businesses, libraries, schools of higher education, and other entities. Qualifying for scholarships sometimes starts with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

National Scholarships for Future Teachers

Many schools accept scholarships and grants from national entities like the federal government and large businesses. Read on to learn more about the TEACH Grant Program, the Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship, and the James Madison Graduate Fellowships.

TEACH Grant Program

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is a federal aid program for undergraduate students who want to pursue teaching careers. An award amount is granted to students who agree to complete a teaching service obligation. Students must teach full-time for at least four years in a high-need field at a low-income school. The grant converts into a student loan for individuals who don't complete this obligation.

• Eligibility: Meet basic federal financial aid eligibility criteria, be enrolled at a school that participates in the TEACH Grant Program, and be enrolled in a TEACH-Grant-eligible program.
• Amount awarded: $4,000 (statutory maximum scheduled award amount); $3,772 (adjusted maximum award amount)
• Application process: Complete and submit the FAFSA form from the US Department of Education.

The Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship

The Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship awards three Michigan public school teachers who were fired for refusing to pay union dues. Scholarship funds are granted to education students dedicated to Right to Work principles.

• Eligibility: Students must be education majors attending a US institution. Eligibility is not granted to high school students and undergraduates without a declared major.
• Amount awarded: $1,000 annually
• Application process: Students must submit a completed online application. They should also submit a 500-700 word essay and an acceptance letter or transcript.

The James Madison Graduate Fellowships

The James Madison Graduate Fellowships provide funds to individuals who want to become secondary school teachers of the American Constitution. These fellowships are unique in that applicants only compete against other applicants from the states of their legal residence.

• Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens and teachers (or plan to become teachers) of American history, American government, or civics classes. They must be graduate students with a bachelor's degree or plan to receive one by August 31.
• Amount awarded: $24,000 ($12,000 per academic year)
• Application process: Complete an application via the Kaleidoscope website.

Scholarships from Professional Organizations

Professional organizations regularly offer college scholarships to help students cover their school costs. The National Education Association, PDK International, and the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) are a few to consider.

The National Education Association (NEA) Scholarships

The National Education Association (NEA) offers numerous grants for educators. Fellowship opportunities are also available to help teachers strengthen their classroom experiences. Grants and fellowships include the Learning & Leadership Grants, Student Success Grants, Global Learning Fellowship, and Envision Equity Grants.

• Eligibility: Requirements vary, eligibility is typically granted to teachers seeking professional development.
• Amount awarded: $5,000 each for grants; local and international study for the fellowship
• Application process: Students must complete applications on the NEA website.

PDK International Scholarship Program

The PDK International Scholarship Program offers renewable and one-time awards. More than 100 scholarships are available. Students only need to apply once to become eligible for all scholarships.

• Eligibility: Applicants should be members in good standing of PDK Association or another approved association, pursue a career in public education, and be enrolled in a school of higher education for the fall semester of the application year.
• Amount awarded: The amount ranges from $500 to $4,000.
• Application process: This scholarship application process involves submitting a personal statement, a description of your involvement with your membership association, three transcripts, and a letter of recommendation.

American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) Scholarships

The AACTE Awards Program offers the Holmes Scholars Program for doctoral and post-doctoral students. The Holmes Master's Program for master's degree students at current Holmes institutions.

• Eligibility: Students must self-identify as racially and ethnically diverse. They should also pursue an education degree at an AACTE member institution.
• Amount awarded: Mentoring opportunities, research presentations, professional development, and participation in the Annual Holmes Scholars Summer Policy Institute in Washington, DC.
• Application process: Contact the participating AACTE member institution for application details.

Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Fellowships

The Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Fellowships is a five-year program divided into two phases. Phase 1 encompasses years one, two, and three during which fellows refresh their science and math knowledge and develop new teaching strategies. Phase 2 includes years four and five, which delve deeper into student learning and explore the professional community. About 35 teaching fellowships are granted to early-career high school science and math teachers annually.

• Eligibility: Teachers must be in their first, second, or third year with a degree in a major related to math or science. They should also have a valid state teaching credential.
• Amount awarded: Grants can cover expenses associated with buying class materials and participating in professional development.
• Application process: Students can fill out an application interest form to learn more about the process.

State and Regional Scholarships for Future Teachers

Scholarship opportunities don't stop at the national level. You can find fantastic state and regional scholarships for future teachers. For instance, the California Teachers Association (CTA) offers more than a dozen awards scholarships, grants, and awards for educators. Some include IFT Grants for Educators and Chapters and the LGBTQ+ Safety in Schools Grant and Scholarship Program in Honor of Guy DeRosa.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), nearly three out of four students received financial aid in the 2019-20 academic year. Taking advantage of all private and federal aid you're eligible for can help you save big on tuition as you prepare to start or advance your teaching career.