10 Resources for Teachers To Get Money for Grad School

For classroom teachers, earning an advanced degree can be a fulfilling way to invest in yourself and your classroom. But obviously, a Master of Education comes with a price tag. That’s why it’s important to think strategically about where to get the money for grad school.

Carefully pursuing the right mix of scholarships, grants, and loans can open the door to an MEd, which could ultimately enhance your earning power or the ability to take on formal leadership roles within your school or district. The right financing options can also free you from taking on extra work to cover tuition, an important consideration when you’re already juggling work and personal obligations.

Not sure what kinds of financial aid options are out there? Here are 10 resources to get your search started.

1. Funds for Teachers

Type of award: Varies by program
Website: Funds for Teachers

An important information portal for educators seeking funding, Funds for Teachers allows applicants to design their own professional development funding proposals within the context of numerous programs. Specifics vary by state, location, and program, but there are many scholarship and fellowship opportunities.Since 2001, the organization has awarded nearly $27.5 million to over 7,500 teachers.

2. Harry Passow Classroom Teacher Scholarship

Type of award: Scholarship
Website: Harry Passow Classroom Teacher Scholarship

This scholarship, offered through the National Association for Gifted Children, offers to defray or reimburse the costs of continued professional development for up to two educators currently engaged in teaching gifted K-12 students each year. Applicants must be able to provide anecdotal evidence of teaching excellence from students, parents or administrators as well as evidence of acceptance into an accredited graduate education program or certificate program focusing on teaching gifted students.

3. Maley/FTEE Scholarship

Type of award: Scholarship
Website: Maley/FTEE Scholarship

The International Technology and Engineering Educators Association sponsors this annual $1,000 scholarship to support graduate study for teachers dedicated to increasing positive outcomes in technology and engineering education. Applicants must be members of the association and currently teach technology or engineering at any grade level.

4. Mathematics Study & Professionalism Grants for Teachers Grade PreK-6

Type of award: Grant
Website: Mathematics Study & Professionalism Grants for Teachers

This grant represents a significant funding opportunity for teachers who are members of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and currently engaged in mathematics instruction in grades PreK-6 within a school that also holds membership within the council. Applicants may apply for up to three years of funding, or a maximum total of $24,000 to further graduate study and professional development.

5. Segal AmeriCorps Education Award

Type of award: Stipend
Website: Segal AmeriCorps Education Award

AmeriCorps volunteers who signed up for an education award and have successfully completed their term of service are eligible to receive a Segal Americorps Education Award. The amount of this stipend varies by year and is tied to the maximum amount currently available to individuals under the U.S. Department of Education’s Pell Grant grant program.

6. James Madison Memorial Foundation

Type of award: Fellowship/Grant
Website: James Madison Memorial Foundation

The James Madison Memorial Foundation offers one $24,000 fellowship per state to exceptional applicants who wish to pursue a graduate-level education program that will allow them to become outstanding teachers of the American Constitution at the secondary school level. Applicants only compete against others from their state of residence.

7. Knowles Science Teaching Foundation

Type of award: Fellowship/Grant
Website: Knowles Science Teaching Foundation

This fellowship opportunity is open to teachers in high school biological and physical sciences, as well as high school math teachers. Applicants must have a recent degree (earned no more than 10 years ago), a high degree of subject knowledge, and be able to demonstrate the potential for developing effective teaching methods. The application deadline varies, but closes in September (more specifics are on its website).

8. Teacher Professional Development Grants Grades 6-8

Type of award: Grant
Website: Teacher Professional Development Grants

Teachers with at least three years of mathematics instruction experience in grades 6-8 who are also members of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics may apply for this $3,000 professional development grant. Applicants must submit a proposal and be employed by a school that holds a membership in the Council.

9. ITEEA/FTEE Scholarships

Type of award: Grant
Website: ITEEA/FTEE Scholarships

The Foundation for Technology and Engineering Educators (FTEE) and the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) give out awards and scholarships to support the advancement of STEM through technology and engineering education. It also awards scholarships during its annual conference.

10. The NEA Foundation

Type of award: Grant
Website: The NEA Foundation

Grants from The NEA Foundation focus on improving student achievement and teacher leadership. Learning & Leadership grants are $2,000- or $5,000-awards designed to help educators plan, present, and attend professional development sessions. Student Achievement grants are also $2,000- or $5,000- awards and are designed to support programs, activities, and experiences to improve students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Where to go for federal aid

Start with the U.S. Government’s Federal Student Aid Program. The site contains extensive FAQ information and, perhaps most importantly, functions as a portal for completing your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) form—a prerequisite for taking advantage of federally backed aid options.