Untapped Funding for Aspiring Teachers
Whether pursuing elementary education, special education, or another subject area, classroom teachers serve a vital role. For students dedicated to this meaningful career, focused scholarships help offset the costs of college and certification programs. Explore some top award options for education majors.
Major Teacher Association Awards
Professional groups like the National Education Association award tens of thousands annually. For example, the NEA’s Student Program provides up to $5,000 to undergraduates participating in NEA activities. State affiliate scholarships also exist, often uncompetitive due to lower applicant pools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have a specific subject focus?
Subject-specific associations commonly offer scholarships as well. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the National Council of Teachers of English grant awards specifically for future math/science and English/language arts teachers.
Are there scholarships for specific student types?
For example, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine recognizes future teachers of color through awards up to $5,000. The American Indian Graduate Center also supports Indigenous education majors with multi-year funding packages,
What requirements do education scholarships generally have?
Minimum GPA requirements range from 2.5-3.5 typically. Essays addressing your teaching aspirations and letters of recommendation from former instructors are also featured regularly. Apply in winter/spring for awards that benefit the following academic year.
Maximizing Your Competitiveness
Volunteer in after-school programs to gain experience. Pursue undergraduate research examining educational psychology or pedagogy. Join a student chapter of a teacher organization to network. Submitting top-notch applications to multiple fitting opportunities increases your chances of securing support.
Landing an education scholarship helps you begin your career more debt-free after certification. By exploring specialized awards, motivated students access an often overlooked source of college assistance.