Strategies for Finding Education and Teacher Scholarships

Among professions a few are in high demand ALWAYS. Teachers, of any kind, are wanted nearly everywhere, including private and public school, and at elementary, secondary and at the college and university level. In order to create incentives to help attract students to the field, many sources offer scholarships.

Good sources for teaching school scholarships include:

  • Colleges and universities
  • Federal and state governments
  • Private sources, including professional organizations

Besides these common resources popular types of teacher scholarships are those targeted to minority students as well as those for students pursuing special education:

  • The Minority Teacher and Special Education Services Scholarship is sponsored by the state of Indiana. As the title of the program indicates eligible students must be ethnic minority and pursuing a degree leading to certification to teach in the State of Indiana. Preference is given to students pursuing special education degrees.

Special Education, in fact, is often designated as one of the high-need subject areas, which is why students in this particular specialty have added scholarship opportunities.

Teacher Scholarships from Colleges and Universities

Almost every college or university maintains a lucrative stable of scholarships. Some are general and created to provide financial funds to a wide spectrum of students, while others are very specialized, and may even be exclusive to particular departments of study. Student teachers usually begin studies at the baccalaureate level and earn Bachelors, Masters and PhDs. You may begin your studies in a community college, but most teachers are required to have at least a Bachelors degree before they are certifiable to teach.

Tip: Keep in mind that some types of teaching or education degrees may also be pursued via distance learning. If you are engaged in online learning don’t overlook scholarship opportunities through your school.

Federal and State Scholarship Awards for Students Pursuing Teaching

The federal and state governments have perhaps the biggest responsibility for ensuring the future of education in this country. A major chunk of that burden is in teacher recruitment. What’s one of the biggest tools with which you can leverage people’s interest? Money, especially money poor college students don’t have to pay back.

  • The Connecticut PTA Christa McAuliffe Scholarship program gives $1,000 cash awards to high school seniors intending to pursue a teaching degree. Further requirements include attendance at a school with a PTA program.
  • In Georgia high school seniors enrolling in a teacher education degree program may be eligible for the state-administered Charles McDaniel Teachers Scholarship. Awards are $1,000 each.

Don’t stop there. Find out if your state government offers any scholarship money for students pursuing the Education field.

Private Sources for Teaching Scholarships

Private sources can be just about any type of organization or business that’s not public. Popular places to shop for scholarships are with professional associations, like a teachers association or professional society. But you can also often find scholarships awarded by businesses and industries. If you’re considering teaching then focus on those sources that advocate for teachers and teacher education.

  • Horace Mann, a provider of insurance for teachers and educators, funds an annual Scholarship program that awards thousands of dollars in scholarship money to a few dozen teacher professionals across the country.