10 Resources for Teachers To Get Money for Grad School
An advanced degree in education can make it a rewarding way to invest in your students and yourself as a teacher. A Master of Education is not cheap. It is important to strategize about where you can get the money to pay for grad school.
You can get an MEd by carefully pursuing the right combination of grants, scholarships, and loans. This could increase your earning potential or allow you to assume leadership roles in your school or district. You don’t have to take on additional work to pay tuition. This is an important consideration if you already have work and personal obligations.
Are you unsure of the types of financial aid available? These are 10 resources that will help you get started on your search for financial aid options.
1. Teachers’ Funds
Type of award: Variable depending on the program
Website: Teachers’ Funds
Funds for Teachers is an important information portal for educators looking for funding. It allows applicants to create their professional development funding proposals in the context of many programs. The details vary depending on the state and location of the program. However, there are many fellowship and scholarship opportunities.
2. Harry Passow Classroom Teacher Scholarship
Type of award: Scholarship
Website: Harry Passow Classroom Teachers Scholarship
The National Association for Gifted Children offers this scholarship to help defray or reimburse professional development costs for up to two teachers who are currently teaching gifted students in K-12. The applicant must be able to provide evidence that they have been accepted into a graduate education program or certificate program focused on teaching gifted students.
3. Maley/FTEE Scholarship
Type of award: Scholarship
Website: Maley/FTEE Scholarship
The International Technology and Engineering Educators Association sponsor an annual $1,000 scholarship for graduate education to teachers who are dedicated to improving the quality of engineering and technology education. The applicant must be a member of the association and teach engineering or technology at any grade.
4. Mathematics Grants for Teachers Grade PreK-6
Type of award: Grant
Website: Mathematics Grants for Teachers & Professionalism
This grant is a great funding opportunity for teachers who are members of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The maximum amount of funding applicants can apply for is $24,000, which covers up to three years of education and graduate studies.
5. Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
Type of award: Stipend
Website: Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
Segal Americorps Education Awards are available to AmeriCorps volunteers that have completed their term of service and signed up for an education award. This stipend is dependent on the amount of the U.S. Department of Education’s Pell grant. It can vary from year to year.
6. James Madison Memorial Foundation
Type of award: Fellowship/Grant
Website: James Madison Memorial Foundation
One $24,000 fellowship is offered by the James Madison Memorial Foundation to outstanding applicants from each state who are interested in pursuing a graduate education program that will prepare them to be exceptional teachers of the American Constitution at the secondary school level. Only applicants from the state they reside in can compete.
7. Knowles Science Teaching Foundation
Type of award: Fellowship/Grant
Website: Knowles Science Teaching Foundation
The fellowship is open to high school teachers in biological and physical sciences as well as math teachers. Candidates must hold a current degree, be no older than 10 years old, have the extensive subject knowledge, and be able to demonstrate the ability to develop effective teaching methods. There are a variety of application deadlines, but they close in September. More information is available on the website.
8. Teachers Professional Development Grants Grades 6–8
Type of award: Grant
Website: Teachers Professional Development Grants
This $3,000 professional development grant is available to teachers with at least three years of teaching mathematics in grades 6-8. The Council requires applicants to submit a proposal.
9. ITEEA/FTEE Scholarships
Type of award: Grant
Website: ITEEA/FTEE Scholarships
Foundation for Technology and Engineering Educators, (FREE), and International Technology and Engineering Educators Associations (ITEEA), offer scholarships and awards to help support STEM education through engineering and technology. It also offers scholarships at its annual conference.
10. The NEA Foundation
Type of award: Grant
Website: The NEA Foundation
The NEA Foundation grants are focused on teacher leadership and student achievement. The Learning & Leadership grants, which are worth $2,000 or $5,000, are designed to assist educators in planning, presenting, and attending professional development sessions. The Student Achievement grants, which are $2,000 or $5,000, are available to help students improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.