Even when the time seems right and you’ve made the commitment to pursue a bachelor’s or graduate degree in education, it can still be hard to come to terms with the cost of tuition. The Education Data Initiatives’ 2021 report states that the cost of yearly tuition, room and board at 4-year colleges is on average, around $25,864, and that figure just keeps rising.
That’s where college financial aid and teaching scholarships come in. Unfortunately, many students view scholarships as awards given to only the most extraordinary, sought-after and recruited athletes and valedictorians. This view can keep well-qualified students out of the running for scholarships and financial assistance that could allow them to pursue their educational goals, enrich their life experiences, change their futures, and potentially open up rewarding paths in teaching.
The Growing Demand for Teachers
What Does the Future Look Like for Teaching Jobs?
7%
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected job growth rate for middle school teachers through 2030
7%
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated job growth rate for kindergarten & elementary school teachers through 2030
8%
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated job growth rate for high school teachers through 2030
20 Awesome Scholarships for Future Teachers
The truth is there are literally thousands of scholarships provided by universities, government programs such as theFAFSA, associations, nonprofits, and corporations. Teaching scholarships are available both regionally and nationwide, and many were created especially for students with specific career goals, cultural identities, histories of military service, and other personal attributes including single parents and adult learners. The secret to securing education scholarships is to locate the ones you qualify for and apply to as many as possible. Read on to learn about 20 exceptional teaching scholarships-you might just find a few options that are an ideal fit for you.
The TEACH Grant Program
Overview:The TEACH Grant provides scholarships for education majors who commit to teach in high-need fields in low-income areas for at least four academic years.
Key criteria:Students must meet eligibility criteria for federal student aid, complete the FAFSA, be enrolled at a TEACH Grant-eligible program at a participating school, meet specific academic requirements, receive TEACH grant counseling, and sign an agreement to serve.
Award information:Up to $4,000 per year
How to apply:Contact the financial aid office at your school and ask if any programs are eligible for the TEACH Grant. Then request information on how to apply.
Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) Teacher Graduate Scholarships
Overview:Want to inspire future generations of innovators with STEM? The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) provides scholarships to students pursuing graduate degrees or licensures to teach STEM subjects at K-12 schools in the U.S.
Key criteria:Applicants must be U.S. citizens living in the U.S. attending an accredited U.S. college or university on-campus and majoring in secondary education with the goal of teaching STEM. Students must also be in their second semester, taking two courses per term, with a current GPA of 3.5 or higher, and have already completed a B.S. degree in a STEM subject. Students enrolled in online programs should email edfoundation@afcea.org to inquire about eligibility.
Award information:$2,500 to $5,000
How to apply:Complete an online application and submit the following documents: a current official transcript, two letters of recommendation, current resume, and undergrad transcript.
James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation
Overview:Junior Fellowships are offered to high-achieving college seniors and college graduates who plan to earn a master’s degree to become secondary school teachers of American history, American government, or civics.
Key criteria:To be eligible, students must be a U.S. citizen, plan to become a teacher and teach topics on the Constitution in grades 7-12. They must also obtain a bachelor’s degree by August 31 of the year in which they are applying.
Award information:Up to $24,000 total
How to apply:Register online, complete the application, upload your transcripts, and submit recommendations online. The application deadline is March 1.
Prospective 7-12 Secondary Teacher Course Work Scholarships
Overview:If you love math, this scholarship could be perfect for you. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) offers financial support to a college student who is working toward a career teaching secondary school mathematics.
Key criteria:To be considered, applicants must be members of NCTM and be full-time students in their sophomore year of college at a college or university.
Award information:Up to $10,000
How to apply:Submit a written proposal that explains the remaining coursework required for certification and your plan for completion. Provide transcripts and three letters of recommendation. In addition, submit a budget outlining how you would allocate money from the award.
PDK Prospective Educator Scholarships
Overview:More than 30 teaching scholarships are awarded each year by PDK International to high school seniors and undergraduates who intend to major in a field of education.
Key criteria:Applicants must be a member of at least one of the following associations: PDK International, Educators Rising and Pi Lambda Theta. A few of the scholarships have specific eligibility requirements, such as studying journalism or English, overcoming adversity or demonstrating financial need.
Award information:$500 to $2,000
How to apply:Complete an online application, and submit your transcripts, personal statement, list of activities related to teaching or service, list of extracurricular activities, and a letter of recommendation.
Teacher Education Scholarships
Overview:The American Montessori Society (AMS) provides a number of scholarships to aspiring Montessori teachers.
Key criteria:To be eligible, individuals must have been accepted, are in the process of being accepted or are currently enrolled in a teacher education program affiliated with AMS.
Award information:In 2017, $57,000 was awarded to 23 aspiring Montessori teachers.
How to apply:The application includes information related to financial need, a personal statement, 3 letters of recommendation, and confirmation of acceptance to a program affiliated with AMS.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Overview:This scholarship helps students of Hispanic heritage earn a college degree; it is available to high school seniors, community college students transferring to four-year institutions, undergrads, and graduate students.
Key criteria: Applicants must be of Hispanic heritage, have plans to be a full-time student in the fall semester and meet a minimum GPA requirement. In addition, students must be a U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, DACA, or eligible non-citizen.
Award information: $500 to $5,000
How to apply: Make a profile on the HSF website.
The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship
Overview:POISE Foundation provides scholarship administration for the National NAACP Scholarship Program, including more than 20 scholarships in memory of the late Agnes Jones Jackson, a long-time member of the NAACP in San Francisco.
Key criteria:Students must be a U.S. citizen, a member of the NAACP, under the age of 25, currently enrolled or accepted into an accredited college or university in the U.S., and demonstrate financial need based on the federal poverty guidelines.
Award information:Up to $2,000
How to apply:Start your scholarship application online and select the Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship.
Nancy Larson Foundation College Scholarship
Overview:To support prospective educators, author and publisher Nancy Larson awards scholarships to college students striving to become elementary school teachers.
Key criteria:This teaching scholarship is open to juniors, seniors and graduate students who have chosen to major in elementary education.
Award information:$1,000
How to apply:Submit a personal narrative about why you want to teach and what will make you an excellent teacher. Explain your community service activities and experience working with children.
Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Wells Fargo Scholarship
Overview:In partnership with Wells Fargo, TMCF offers financial assistance to high-achieving undergraduate students enrolled at one of the 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities within the TMCF network. The scholarship is open to all majors.
Key criteria:Students must be full-time sophomores, juniors or seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In addition, they must have demonstrated financial need and leadership ability and be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
Award information:One-year merit scholarship of up to $5,000
How to apply:Complete your application and submit a Student Aid Report, college transcript, recommendation, and essay.
New York State (NYS) Math & Science Teaching Incentive Program
Overview:This program helps students who are working to become math and science teachers. Students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs may qualify to receive an award in exchange for five years of full-time employment as math or science teachers for grades 7-12 in NYS.
Key criteria:The program is open to applicants who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens attending a college in NYS and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Applicants must also sign a service contract and be in compliance with any service condition associated with the NYS award.
Award information:Annual payment equal to yearly tuition for an NYS resident student enrolled in an undergraduate program at the State University of New York, or actual tuition
How to apply:Complete a program application online.
Future Teachers Scholarship
Overview:The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education created this scholarship program to help increase the numbers of teachers in critical shortage areas in public schools of Oklahoma.
Key criteria:The student must be a resident of Oklahoma, be nominated by their college and meet certain academic standards. In addition, the student must agree to teach in a shortage area of Oklahoma for three consecutive years. Priority is given to full-time students.
Award information:Maximum annual awards for full-time students are $1,500.
How to apply:Submit an application to your college or university each academic year. First-time freshman must include a copy of their high school transcript and SAT/ACT score. Students who have attended college must submit official transcripts. Every student must also submit an essay.
Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Elementary and Secondary Teacher Education Scholarships
Overview:Through the Daughters of the American Revolution, two one-time scholarships are available for students 25 years of age or older. The awards are merit-based. One is given to students who are studying to teach elementary school, and the other award is for students who plan to teach at the secondary level.
Key criteria:To be eligible, students must be at least a college sophomore and attend or plan on attending an accredited college or university.
Award information:$1,500
How to apply:Complete a scholarship application form and send it in an email to BorgensElementaryScholarship@NSDAR.org.
The Ruth Crymes TESOL Fellowship for Graduate Study
Overview:Interested in teaching English as a second language? This award is designed to encourage current graduate students who are enrolled in a TESOL/TEFL graduate program or a program focused on second language acquisition or foreign language education.
Key criteria:Students who are TESOL members and plan to conduct a graduate study project on a topic relevant to TESOL/TEFL are eligible to apply.
Award information:$1,500, plus a convention registration
How to apply:Complete an online application. Students are required to write two essays and a description of a graduate study project. They must also arrange for a letter of recommendation.
William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship
Overview:Black and Hispanic individuals who intend to teach at an accredited school in Indiana upon graduation may qualify for this scholarship. Upon graduation, they must teach in Indiana for a minimum of three years.
Key criteria:The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen and live in Indiana. They must also be admitted or currently attending an eligible Indiana college or university as a full-time student and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Award information:Students with financial need may receive up to $4,000 each year. Students who do not demonstrate financial need may receive up to $1,000.
How to apply:Visit ScholarTrack.In.gov to apply by September 4th (detailed instructions are included on adownloadable PDF). You must also submit a FAFSA.
Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers
Overview:Facilitated by the Raise Your Hand Texas Foundation, this scholarship program provides yearly funding and ongoing training and mentorship. About 100 scholarships will be offered the first year.
Key criteria:Students must be enrolled full-time in EC-6 ESL/Generalist Certification, Bilingual Certification, Special Education Certification, UTeach Urban Teachers Social Studies, or UTeach Urban Teachers English. They must also have shown leadership skills and strong academic achievement and be committed to serving high-needs Texas public schools upon graduation.
Award information:$8,000 in annual funding for up to four years
How to apply:Incoming freshman are automatically considered for the scholarship based on information from the ApplyTexas application. Current students should apply online.
National Merit Scholarship Program
Overview:The National Merit Scholarship Program offers scholarships through an academic competition based on the scores students achieve through the Preliminary SAT/National Scholarship Qualifying Test.
Key criteria:To participate in the competition, students must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident with the intent to become a U.S. citizen, take the PSAT/NMSQT and attend high school with plans to graduate and enroll in college.
Award information:$2,500
How to apply:Students selected according to their scores on the PSAT/NMST test.
The Billye Suber Aaron Legacy Scholarship
Overview:This scholarship is designed for full-time college students enrolled at Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Texas College. It’s a need-based renewable scholarship.
Key criteria:Applicants must be college sophomores with a minimum GPA of 2.5. They must also be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, complete a FAFSA and demonstrate unmet financial need.
Award information:Amount varies.
How to apply:Complete an online application and submit a reference form by June 22.
National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program
Overview:The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) offers thirty annual merit-based scholarships to blind students in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Students are selected based on academic achievement, leadership and community service.
Key criteria:Applicants must be legally blind in both eyes, attend or plan to attend a postsecondary degree program in the U.S. and participate in the NFB national convention.
Award information:$3,000 to $12,000, plus assistance to attend the 2018 NFB Convention.
How to apply:Submit an application form by March 31, either online or by mail. Questions may be sent to scholarships@nfb.org or the following address: NFB Scholarship Program, National Federation of the Blind, 200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place, Baltimore, Maryland, 21230.
Pepsico Foundation-UNCF Bronx Women’s Initiative
Overview:Female students from the Bronx, New York, who have a demonstrated unmet financial need may apply for this scholarship, which targets college students who have embraced community service.
Key criteria:Applicants must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher.
Award information:Up to $5,000
How to apply:Complete an application profile and submit an essay, unofficial transcript and one letter of recommendation from college faculty or school administrator.
Financial Aid Tips and Other Key Resources to Check Out
For more information on financing your teaching degree, read ourfinancial aid article, with information on grants, loans, work-study,and Teacher Loan Forgiveness Programs. In addition, don’t hesitate to learn more about specific teaching programs that might be right for you – many programs offer scholarships and other financial aid packages to those who qualify. Don’t be afraid to ask!
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FAQs
Is PGCE bursary tax free? ›
PGCE Further Education Bursaries
For more information and eligibility criteria please visit the Department of Education website. The bursary is a tax-free, non-repayable bursary.
How are PGCE bursaries paid? PGCE bursaries are paid in 10 equal monthly instalments, running from October to July. So, if you receive a £24,000 bursary, you'll get ten monthly payments of £2,400. Your teacher training provider will administer these payments, so it's a good idea to confirm the schedule with them.
Is there a bursary for Primary PGCE? ›For the application year 2019-2020, primary PGCE funding includes a £6,000 bursary, as there is no shortage of primary teachers, and so the funding for primary PGCE study reflects this. Post compulsory PGCE funding (PCET) is limited only to tuition fee and maintenance loans: there is no training bursary at all.
Do you get paid while doing a PGCE? ›You will receive an unqualified teacher's salary from your school, and the cost of your training will be covered, but you may be charged for your PGCE fees if awarded.
Do you get student loan doing PGCE? ›You may be able to get student finance for the following full or part-time teacher training courses: ITT - not including early years. Postgraduate Certificate of Education ( PGCE ) SCITT.
How much does a PGCE cost in UK? ›How much does it cost? The standard tuition fee in 2021/22 for UK and European Union (EU) students is £9,250 and approximately between £11,000 and £16,000 for international students, although overseas fees vary widely. Universities may offer special reductions for alumni, so check with individual providers.
Do you have to pay back a teaching bursary? ›Bursaries and scholarships
This is tax-free and you don't have to pay it back.
A mid career Primary School Teacher with 4-9 years of experience earns an average salary of R 17 000, while an experienced Foundation Phase Teacher with 10-20 years of experience makes on average R 23 000. Primary School Teachers with more than 20 years of experience may earn more than R 25 000 per month.
Which teaching bursaries are still open for 2022? ›- ISASA.
- Funza Lushaka.
- NSFAS.
- Department of Education.
- Department of Higher Education.
- SAIRR.
- Epilepsy Educational Trust (only if you have Epilepsia)
- Globeleq Scholarship.
What does the bursary cover? Expenses covered may include tuition fees, accommodation including meals, books and learning materials, and if possible a small allowance for monthly living expenses. The allocation to any individual student is capped at a specific value.
How are teaching bursaries paid? ›
Bursaries are paid in 10 equal monthly instalments from October to July. You may receive this bursary in addition to the undergraduate funding package from Student Finance England.
Do you pay back bursary if you fail? ›A bursary is a study grant that you don't need to repay – unless you fail in your studies, that is. But there may be conditions attached, such as doing volunteer work or maintaining a certain standard of academic performance.
Can you get paid to train as a teacher? ›Some of the benefits of this Paid Teacher Training course include: The programme is fee free. Being able to earn a salary while you train, as well as receiving a discount on travel within London. Gain more experience working in a school before you qualify, so you are more prepared for life as a newly qualified teacher.
How long does a PGCE take? ›The PGCE provides professional preparation for teaching Senior Phase (SP) grades 7-9 and Further Education and Training (FET, grades 10-12) phases of schooling. The programme is offered on both a full-time basis (1 year) and a part-time basis (2 years). Full-time students attend lectures during the day.
Does PGCE expire? ›In fact, there is no time limit on it at all.
Can I train to be a teacher at 40? ›Whether you're a fresh graduate or have 30 years' experience in an entirely different industry, you are still capable of being a successful teacher and can make a meaningful impact on the students you teach. So, there's no need to worry about whether you're too old, or if there's a cut-off age limit.
Is PGCE pass or fail? ›"With a PGCE, all you get is a pass," she says. "There's no way to know how well you did. When I took my degree, you came out with a grade; you knew where you were.
Is PGCE a Masters? ›A PGCE is a 60 credit postgraduate qualification studied at level 7. These credits are earned at Master's level, and can later be transferred to a Master's of Education if students choose. In a scenario where Master's credits aren't offered, the PGCE is called a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education.
Is a PGCE a full Masters course? ›Is a PGCE a Masters? PGCEs award up to 60 postgraduate credits at Masters level. This does not mean you'll graduate with a full Masters (which is worth 180 credits), but you'll often have the option to transfer your credits to a full Masters in Education once you've completed your PGCE.
How many credits is a PGCE? ›The applicant must hold at least a bachelor's degree or three-year diploma evaluated at NQF level 6 (old structure) or NQF level 7 (new structure) (360 credits). The degree or diploma must include at least two school-related subjects.
Is PGCE hard? ›
The PGCE is not an easy year. Put another way, the PGCE year is a hard, very intensive course bringing together academic and professional requirements, and actually working on the job while you're learning it too.
How do you fund a PGCE? ›Loans. A PGCE is one of the postgraduate courses eligible for Student Finance. This means that a tuition fee loan from the government is payable directly to the university in exactly the same way as an undergraduate tuition loan.
Can I teach secondary with a primary PGCE? ›Qualified UK teachers with good subject knowledge, primary PGCE & QTS can teach secondary as you don't need to retrain and there's no conversion course in England or Wales.
What can I spend my bursary on? ›A bursary is money that you, or your education or training provider, can use to pay for things like: clothing, books and other equipment for your course. transport and lunch on days you study or train.
Can I get into teaching without a degree? ›Most routes into teaching require you to have a degree before being accepted onto Initial Teacher Training but since 2012 there is a route into teaching without a degree through the Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS).
How do I apply for a bursary? ›You can apply for a bursary from the organisation offering the bursary, an education provider, an employer or even the government. All you need to do is complete and submit an application form and then hope that you're successful!
Which teachers get paid the most? ›Professor. When you are looking for the best-paid teaching jobs for your area of interest or specialized skill, then you may consider working as a professor in a college or university. A college professor prepares course material, teaches students in a classroom environment, and grades student work.
What is the monthly salary of teachers? ›| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $47,000 | $3,916 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,500 | $3,041 |
| Average | $32,496 | $2,708 |
| 25th Percentile | $23,500 | $1,958 |
- coaching after-school athletics.
- advising after-school clubs.
- becoming a department head.
- becoming a mentor for new teachers.
- helping with after-school tutoring programs.
- administering and grading placement exams.
- teaching summer school programs.
Elementary and secondary school scholarships and bursaries are not taxable. A post-secondary program that consists mainly of research is eligible for the scholarship exemption, only if it leads to a college or CEGEP diploma, or a bachelor, masters, or doctoral degree (or an equivalent degree).
Are bursaries taxable UK? ›
Hi, Student loan and bursary is not taken into account for Income Tax as these are non taxable.
How is the teacher training bursary paid? ›Bursaries are paid in 10 equal monthly instalments from October to July. You may receive this bursary in addition to the undergraduate funding package from Student Finance England.
Do you have to pay back a bursary? ›Bursaries are like grants and don't have to be paid back. You get your bursary directly from your university or college. Talk to your student support service to find out what's available.
How do you claim scholarship money? ›The money might go directly to your college, where it will be applied to any tuition, fees, or other amounts you owe, and then any leftover funds given to you. Or it might be sent directly to you in a check.
Where do scholarships go on tax return? ›How Do You Report Scholarships on Your Tax Return? According to the IRS as of 2020, you may report scholarship funds on 1040 income tax forms. If you are filing a Form 1040 or Form 1040SR, place the taxable part under the “Wages, salaries” line.
What scholarships are taxable? ›Scholarships considered taxable income
That's because scholarship or fellowship money that represents compensation is generally taxable. The student would receive a W-2 from the school and would have to file a tax return.
Generally, you report any portion of a scholarship, a fellowship grant, or other grant that you must include in gross income as follows: If filing Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR, include the taxable portion in the total amount reported on the "Wages, salaries, tips" line of your tax return.
Is scholarship tax-Free in UK? ›Section 776 of the Income Tax (Trading and Other Income) Act 2005 (previously Section 331 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988) provides that income from a scholarship held by an individual shall be exempt from income tax and disregarded for all income tax purposes, if the holder of the scholarship is receiving ...
Do the NHS pay for your university fees? ›If you're eligible for an NHS bursary, the NHS pays your standard tuition fees. Your course tuition fees are paid directly to your university. If you're studying a graduate-entry accelerated medical or dental programme, you can get some of your tuition costs paid with an NHS bursary in years 2 to 4 of your programme.
How much do primary school teachers earn? ›The starting salary for primary school teachers who are employed by the Teachers Service Commission is Ksh. 27,000.
Can you get paid to train as a teacher? ›
Some of the benefits of this Paid Teacher Training course include: The programme is fee free. Being able to earn a salary while you train, as well as receiving a discount on travel within London. Gain more experience working in a school before you qualify, so you are more prepared for life as a newly qualified teacher.
What is the difference between a scholarship and a bursary? ›What is the difference between a Bursary and a Scholarship? A scholarship is a financial award granted to a student on the basis of the student's academic or sporting excellence. A Bursary is a financial award granted to a student on the basis of the student's financial neediness.
When should you start applying for bursaries? ›Apply early
Don't wait until you reach your matric year to look for financial aid opportunities. By the time you enter Grade 10 you should have started to think seriously about potential careers. Research which higher education institutions offer study programmes that correspond with your career choice.
A bursary is money that you, or your education or training provider, can use to pay for things like: clothing, books and other equipment for your course. transport and lunch on days you study or train.
How often is bursary paid? ›If eligible for a bursary your full award will be split into three instalments and paid each term. If you're a postgraduate student and awarded any of the income assessed elements, they'll usually be paid at the same time as part of your termly payments (excluding Childcare Allowance).