Grants for Teacher Professional Development – There are many financial aids for teacher professional development available for aspiring teachers who want to be better at what they do. Depending on the source, the type of financial assistance you can get usually comes in the form of grants, scholarships, and fellowships. Teachers can use the assistance to improve their teaching methods, widen their knowledge and polishing their engaging ability with the students.
Typically, in order to obtain such knowledge, you have to pay a ridiculous amount of money, but these financial assistance programs may be able to help these teachers so that they can afford the education needed.
The program may be administered or funded by the Federal government, state government, organization or foundations. We’ve made a list of scholarships, fellowships and grants for teacher professional development below:
Grants for Teacher Professional Development Programs
Here are some grants for teacher professional development programs for you to consider:
McCarthey Dressman Teacher Development Grants
In order to promote new teaching strategies and methods in the K-12 classrooms, the McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation has given several grants for teachers so that they can improve their skills. This is a typical grant program that can be used to fund a project you (and your fellow teachers) try to implement in the classroom. Projects that have long lasting effect are preferred, and the foundation is more than ready to give assistance in the implementation of the project. The award amount for this kind of project is up to $10,000 for three years.
Fund for Teachers
If you’re looking for programs that promote individual professional development, then this Fund for Teachers grant is one of them. The award amount given by this program ranges between $5,000 and $10,000, and the teachers awarded this grant get to choose which professional development programs or opportunity they would like to pursue. Of course, since this is a free-form grant you need to be clear about your motivations, predicted impact, objective, and the reason why you choose the particular program.
NEA Foundation
Teachers who are looking for professional development programs can try applying for the NEA Foundation grants. The basic aim of this grant is to improve the teachers’ curriculum, student achievements etc. Basically, all of the awarded teachers have to apply what they have learned during the professional development programs. Teachers can use this money to fund summer institutes, action research, and lesson studies from higher education institutions. The award amount ranges between $2,000 and $5,000.
FirstEnergy Education STEM Grant Program
Amount: Up to $1,000
The FirstEnergy Education STEM Grant Program offers one-time grants to educators who want to introduce innovative and resourceful STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities into their classrooms. This money is intended for teacher professional development in STEM or for new individual STEM projects that have not been funded before. The grant is usually given out in October, and the application deadline is in late summer or early spring.
To increase your opportunities of getting the grant, your innovative project should:
- Focus on electricity and electricity production
- Be a one-time project lasting one year with planned stages of evaluation
- Show how it will enhance and enrich student or teacher education
Emerging Teacher-Leaders in Elementary School Mathematics Grants
Amount: Up to $6,000
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) administers the annual Emerging Teacher-Leaders in Elementary School Mathematics Grants. These grants are available to math teachers working with students in PreK-5 who have a minimum of three years’ experience and are current members of NCTM. The application deadline is in November.
Grants can be used for:
- College or university mathematics coursework
- Registration fees for professional conferences
- Classroom materials for teaching math
- Salary or stipends for in-service programs
Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program
Last but not least, we have a fellowship for teacher professional development program. I personally think that this program is the most unique out of all of the programs we’ve listed so far. The fellowship program allows the selected teachers to get a first-hand experience in federal agencies or congressional offices that are related to education.
During that time they will have the opportunity to pay close attention and learn about the education reform efforts, programming, etc. Please do note that applicants should have at least 5 years of experience in teaching STEM subjects. The duration of the fellowship is less than a year, and you will get $6,000 monthly stipend and $1,000 living expenses each month.
Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program
Amount: Year-long professional learning chance, 2-3 week trip abroad
The Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program offers an exciting opportunity for K-12 educators to delve into global education. This year-long journey of professional development consists of three main components:
- A semester-long course dedicated to exploring the best practices in global education
- In-person professional development sessions held in Washington DC
- A 2-3 week immersive trip abroad
Applications are due at the beginning of the year, and teachers who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:
- Must be US citizens residing in the US or a US territory
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Have 3 years of teaching experience, more
- Currently employed as a K-12 educator
- Have not lived abroad for more than five years in the six years before the application date
Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Fellowships
Award: Approximately $50,000 (Award amount may vary each year)
The Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Fellowships offer a 5-year grant for high school math or science teachers. This award supports teachers by providing funds for classroom materials, professional development, and sometimes for leadership activities beyond the classroom.
Half of the funds are also useful as an annual stipend to help teachers reduce educational debts and purchase classroom materials. Applications are typically due in early January. You can find full eligibility requirements on their website.
NEA Learning & Leadership Grants
Amount: $1,500 – $5,000
The NEA Foundation offers yearly educator grants to teachers and educational support professionals, like school bus drivers, custodial staff, and school nurses. These grants can be used for a variety of projects or professional development, including:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation costs
- Registration fees
- Classroom materials
The NEA Foundation also provides a useful video guide on applying for grant funding. Applications are usually accepted between June and September.
There you go, there are many other similar financial assistance for teacher professional development programs, but we are running out of time and we hope that our list can be sufficient for you.
References:
- The NEA Foundation – http://www.neafoundation.org/
- Fund for Teacher – http://www.fundforteachers.org/
- Teacher Development Grants – http://mccartheydressman.org/teacher-development-grants/
- Image: islamicommentary.org
- (https://www.simplek12.com/certification/grants-for-professional-teacher-development/)
