The demand for educators in the United States has surged due to growing student enrollment and the increasing focus on quality education. Factors contributing to the educator shortage include low salaries, high workloads, and burnout. While obtaining higher-level degrees can lead to improved mastery and increased earnings, pursuing advanced degrees necessitates significant investments in time, money, and energy.
Fortunately, numerous scholarship opportunities are available to support aspiring educators and help alleviate the financial burden of furthering education.
What Are the Best Scholarships for Education Majors?
There are a variety of scholarships designed specifically for students pursuing diverse specializations within the education field. These opportunities ease the financial burden and support educators in their journey toward higher qualifications. Let’s explore some of the best general scholarships available for education majors to help you achieve your goals.
Top Scholarships for Educators
Here’s an overview of notable scholarships available for education majors, outlining the amount awarded, eligibility requirements, and sponsoring organizations.
Jack Kinnaman Scholarship
The Jack Kinnaman Scholarship supports future educators committed to making significant contributions to the field of education. Typically, this scholarship offers funding of up to $3,500. An applicant must:
- be a member of the National Education Association (NEA) Aspiring Educators Program
- demonstrate financial need
- have a GPA of at least 2.5.
Teachers of Tomorrow Scholarship
The Teachers of Tomorrow Scholarship supports aspiring teachers, especially in underrepresented and high-need areas. The scholarship offers up to 6,000 to recipients. Applicants must:
- be enrolled in the Teachers of Tomorrow program
- not be full-time teachers unless hired after December 31st
This scholarship is provided by Teachers of Tomorrow, an organization committed to addressing the teacher shortage in the U.S.
Barbara Lotze Scholarship for Future Physics Teachers
The Barbara Lotze Scholarship for Future Physics Teachers is designed to encourage students to pursue a career in physics education. Recipients receive an annual award of $3,000. Applicants must:
- be U.S. citizens
- be undergraduate students enrolled or planning to enroll in a physics teacher preparation program
- demonstrate a strong academic record in physics coursework is required.
- have a strong commitment to teaching high school physics, as evidenced by a personal statement
This scholarship is sponsored by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT).
James F. Reville Scholarship
The James F. Reville Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in education, particularly those who demonstrate dedication to teaching and improving the education system. This scholarship awards $1,000 to $3,000 to individuals. Applicants must:
- be New York residents
- be undergrad, grad, or postgrad students attending a university, college, or technical school studying full-time
- demonstrate financial need and provide letters of recommendation from educators or mentors
- be studying behavioral science, health administration, social sciences or psychology
The James F. Reville Scholarship is offered by The Arc New York.
Elementary Education Scholarships
The following scholarships specifically target individuals aspiring to careers in elementary education.
Nancy Larson Foundation College Scholarship
The Nancy Larson Foundation College Scholarship aims to support future elementary school teachers who demonstrate a commitment to quality education. Recipients receive $1,500 annually. Requirements for eligibility:
- Applicants must be pursuing a degree in elementary education.
- Students should have a history of internships, positions, and volunteer work dedicated to helping children.
This scholarship is sponsored by the Nancy Larson Foundation, which focuses on enhancing the educational landscape by supporting future educators.
Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Elementary Teacher Scholarship
The Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Elementary Teacher Scholarship recognizes students aspiring to become elementary school teachers, providing them with financial aid to pursue their goals. The scholarship offers awards of up to $1,500. Candidates must be:
- enrolled in an accredited college or university undergraduate program in secondary education
- at least 25 years old
- at least a sophomore with a GPA of at least 3.5
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) administers the scholarship.
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education Early Childhood Educators Scholarship
The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education Early Childhood Educators Scholarship aids students pursuing degrees in early childhood education. Recipients can receive up to $4,500 per semester. Applicants must:
- be Massachusetts residents enrolled in an accredited early childhood education program
- have applied for FAFSA or an equivalent
- be employed as an educator throughout the duration of their studies
- continue working in early childhood education post-graduation or repay funding
Administered by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, this scholarship highlights the importance of early childhood education in foundational learning.
American Montessori Teacher Education Scholarship
The American Montessori Teacher Education Scholarship supports individuals seeking to become certified Montessori educators, recognizing the uniqueness of the Montessori approach to early childhood education. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited Montessori teacher training program.
This scholarship is provided by the American Montessori Society (AMS), which aims to promote and support the Montessori approach in educational settings.
Scholarship Opportunities for Teachers Getting Their Master’s
Pursuing a master’s in education opens lucrative career paths, including school administration, curriculum development, and education policy and leadership. While financial investment can be significant, various scholarship opportunities and programs like MAT and MEd exist to help offset costs, making advanced education more accessible for aspiring educators dedicated to enhancing the learning landscape.
Edwyna Wheadon Postgraduate Training Scholarship
The Edwyna Wheadon Postgraduate Training Scholarship is designed to support educators pursuing postgraduate training in the field of education. This scholarship offers financial assistance of up to $1,200 for eligible candidates. Applicants must:
- belong to the National Council of Teachers of English
- be English/language art teachers at a publicly funded institution
This scholarship is administered by the National Council of Teachers of English, reflecting a commitment to advancing education through technology and innovative teaching methods.
Maley/ITEEA Foundation Teacher Professional Development Scholarship
The Maley/ITEEA Foundation Teacher Professional Development Scholarship is intended for educators pursuing professional development opportunities in technology and engineering education. The award amount is $500. Applicants must:
- belong to the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA)
- be technology and engineering teachers at any grade level
- be beginning or continuing postgraduate studies
Administered by the ITEEA Foundation, this scholarship emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation for educators in technology-related fields.
Donald and Verna Duncan Special Education Scholarship
The Donald and Verna Duncan Special Education Scholarship supports educators dedicated to advancing their qualifications in special education. The award amount varies. Applicants must be:
- currently enrolled in a program focused on special education/rehabilitation or mental health counseling
- graduate students, with a preference for those with demonstrated financial need
The scholarship is part of a broader effort of giving, with the Duncan family donating to music programs and other educational initiatives.
Scholarships for Education Doctorates
Pursuing a doctorate in education, such as a Doctorate of Educational Policy and Leadership, enhances career prospects, equipping educators with the skills to influence systemic change. While the financial investment can be significant, numerous scholarship opportunities and programs are available to help offset costs, making advanced education more accessible for dedicated educators.
NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship
The NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship is offered by the National Academy of Education (NAEd) in partnership with the Spencer Foundation. This fellowship aims to encourage education research and support doctoral students near completion of their dissertations. Recipients receive up to $27,500 to support their dissertation research. Applicants must:
- be enrolled in a doctoral program at an accredited university in the United States
- have completed all coursework and be at the dissertation stage of their education with a clear plan to complete the dissertation within one to two years
- propose an education research project
The National Academy of Education manages the fellowship, which is dedicated to advancing high-quality education research and its use in policymaking.
Larry E. Frase Memorial Scholarship for Educational Research
The Larry E. Frase Memorial Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing research addressing important education issues. This scholarship honors the memory of Dr. Larry E. Frase, a prominent teacher devoted to education. The scholarship typically awards up to $1,000. Candidates must be:
- Phi Delta Kappa members
- doctoral students enrolled in a program focusing on motivational factors in education
This scholarship is administered by the American Educational Research Association (AERA), an organization dedicated to advancing knowledge about education through rigorous research.
