General Teacher Awards
Monetary Awards for Teachers
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General Teacher Awards
American Library Association
This site offers a variety of awards for school librarians, media professionals, and teachers.
AASA: Educational Administration Scholarships
The American Association of School Administrators’ Educational Administration Scholarships provide incentive, honor, and financial assistance to outstanding graduate students in school administration who intend to make the school superintendency a career. Maximum award: $2,500, plus a $500 travel allowance to attend AASA’s National Conference on Education. Eligibility: members of the AASA at the aspiring superintendent rate.
AASA: Educational Administration Scholarships
American Association of School Administrators’ Educational Administration Scholarships provide incentive, honor and financial assistance to outstanding graduate students in school administration who intend to make the school superintendency a career. Maximum award: $2,500, plus a $500 travel allowance to attend AASA’s National Conference on Education. Eligibility: members of the AASA at the aspiring superintendent rate.
AASA: National Superintendent of the Year
The American Association of School Administrators National Superintendent of the Year Program pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools. Maximum award: recognition; a $10,000 scholarship to a student in the high school from which the National Superintendent of the Year graduated. Eligibility: any superintendent, chancellor, or top leader of a school system in the United States, Canada, or international school who plans to continue in the profession.
AASA Women in School Leadership Awards
The AASA Women in School Leadership Award program is designed to recognize the exceptional leadership of active, front-line female leaders who are making a difference in the lives of students every day. Two awards are available: The Superintendent Award – awarded to any female superintendent who’s been in the superintendent position for two years or more. The Central Office/Principal Award – awarded to any female central office or building level leader. Equivalent job titles may include: assistant superintendent, central office administrator, school based principal/assistant principal.
ASCD: Outstanding Young Educator Award
The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development is seeking nominations for its Outstanding Young Educator Award, which recognizes a teacher under the age of 40 who demonstrates excellence in his or her profession, a positive impact on students, creativity in the classroom, and leadership in his or her school or district. Maximum award: $10,000; an all-expenses paid trip to the ASCD annual conference in March for the winner and one companion, including registration, travel, hotel, and meals. Eligibility: preK-12 teachers under age 40; self-nominations accepted.
American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Collaborative School Library Award
To recognize and encourage collaboration and partnerships between school librarians and teachers in meeting goals outlined in Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Programs through joint planning of a program, unit, or event in support of the curriculum and using school library resources.The applicants will be a school librarian and teacher(s) who have worked together to execute a project, event, or program to further information literacy, independent learning, and social responsibility using resources of the school library. The application will address the degree to which the project meets the standards outlined in Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Programs.A cash award of $2,500 will be given to the recipient’s school library.
AASL: Distinguished School Administrators Award
The American Association of School Librarians Distinguished School Administrators Award honors administrators outside the library profession who through individual leadership and sustained effort have made worthy contributions to the operations of effective school library services and to advancing the role of the school library services in the educational program. It is also intended to stimulate planning, implementing, and support of the library services that are essential to a meaningful educational program. Maximum award: recognition. Eligibility: state, county, or district school superintendents and building principals, currently in administrative office, directly responsible for a school or group of schools at any level, who are not working in a library services department and who are not a regular ALA/AASL member.
Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award
The Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award is an annual award to a school library that has conducted an exemplary program or program series in the humanities during the prior school year. It consists of (1) a $4,000 cash award; (2) a plaque; and (3) the promotion of the winner as a model program for other school libraries.
American Stars of Teaching
American Stars recognizes and honors superior teachers with a track record of improving student achievement, using innovative instructional strategies, and making a difference in the lives of their students. These teachers will be highlighted as representatives of the thousands of teachers who are making a difference in the classroom.
Annual Leavey Awards for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education
The Awards Program Recognizes Educators At The Elementary, Junior High School, High School, And College Levels For Innovative And Effective Techniques In Teaching Entrepreneurship And The Free Enterprise Education. Up To Twenty Cash Awards Are Made Annually Valued At $7,500 Each. One Meritorious Award Of $15,000 May Be Made For An Outstanding Entry. To Date, The Program Has Recognized Nearly 500 Teachers From Across The Country And Awarded Over $3 Million. Aspiring Principals ProgramFor The Past 10 Years, New Leaders for New Schools Has Impacted The Lives Of Nearly 250,000 Students In High-poverty Schools Across The Country By Improving The Quality Of Their Education.We Recruit And Train Exceptional Future Leaders Through Our Emerging Leaders Program And Aspiring Principals Program. In Most Of Our Cities, Participants Must Join And Complete The Emerging Leaders Program Before Entering The Aspiring Principals Program. Joining The Emerging Leaders Program Requires Applicants To Be Currently Working In One Of Our Partner Districts In A School-based Instructional Or Instructional Leadership Role. Please Visit The Emerging Leaders Program Page To Learn More.The Aspiring Principals Program Is An Intensive Four-week Summer Program, Followed By Yearlong Residency Training With A Mentor Principal. Following Completion Of The Program There Is Support Through The Principal Institute — A Rigorous, Content-driven Model For New Leaders To Further Elevate Their Leadership Skills.
ASCA: School Counselor of the Year
The American School Counselor Association School Counselor of the Year program honors the best of the best — school counselors who are running top-notch, comprehensive school counseling programs at either the elementary, middle or high school level. Maximum award: This newly enhanced program brings up to 10 finalists and their nominators to Washington, D.C. in early February, where they participate in a Congressional briefing, meet with their members of Congress, and are honored at the School Counselor of the Year Gala. Eligibility: ASCA members who are practicing school counselors with at least five year’s experience and currently working in a U.S.-based school.
Career Development Grants
Career Development Grants Support Women Who Hold A Bachelor’s Degree And Are Preparing To Advance Their Careers, Change Careers, Or Re-enter The Work Force. Special Consideration Is Given To Women Of Color, And Women Pursuing Their First Advanced Degree Or Credentials In Nontraditional Fields.Grants Provide Support For Course Work Beyond A Bachelor’s Degree, Including A Master’s Degree, Second Bachelor’s Degree, Or Specialized Training In Technical Or Professional Fields. Funds Are Available For Distance Learning. Course Work Must Be Taken At An Accredited Two- Or Four-year College Or University In The United States, Or At A Technical School That Is Fully Licensed Or Accredited By The U.S. Department Of Education. Funds Are Not Available For PhD-level Work. Award Min: $2,000.00 Award Max: $12,000.00 Quantity: Unknown Period: One year.
CEE: John Morton Excellence in the Teaching of Economics Awards
The Council for Economic Education John Morton Excellence in the Teaching of Economics Awards promotes economic education at the K-12 level by recognizing and honoring inspirational teachers whose innovative teaching concepts improve and stimulate economic understanding in and out of their classrooms and achieve results. Eligibility: all K-12 teachers that are members of the CEE Educator Community. For complete program guidelines and nomination instructions, see the CEE website.
ECS: James Bryant Conant Award
The Education Commission of the States James Bryant Conant Award is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to improving education across the country in significant ways such as: providing leadership on groundbreaking task forces or committees; publishing works and/or conducting research that profoundly influenced thinking on public education in the United States and/or had a substantial impact on policy; shepherding groundbreaking education reform through the legislative process; and/or demonstrating exemplary service as a public figure or elected official deeply involved in improving education for all. Maximum award: recognition.
Educator Grants
The Air Force Association believes that one of the most significant means to affect student learning is to fund grants to meet the unmet and unfunded educational needs of students. Each school year, the Association awards $500 grants to worthy projects that significantly influence student learning.
Earthwatch Institute: Fellowships
The Earthwatch Institute offers educators fully-funded fellowships for hands-on learning with leading scientists doing field research and conservation on one of over 100 projects around the world. Maximum award: fully-funded fellowship. Eligibility: elementary, middle, and high school educators and administrators of any discipline.
Educational Administration Scholarships
AASA’s Educational Administration Scholarships were created in 1949 to provide incentive, honor and financial assistance to outstanding graduate students in school administration who intend to make the school superintendent a career.
Fellowship in Korean Studies Program
The Korea Society’s Summer Fellowship in Korean Studies programs is designed to help educators integrate Korean subjects into their curricula by taking fellows on a two-week study tour of Korea. The program includes lectures and discussions on Korean language, history, culture, art, politics and economics. Also included are opportunities for on-site study of locales of historical and contemporary relevance. During the final week, participants will be given time for independent research and exploration. The participants in past programs have found that the program offers an unparalleled learning experience as well as a unique opportunity for extensive travel in Korea.
Leavey Awards
The Leavey Awards for Excellence In Private Enterprise Education honor outstanding educators who excite a commitment in their students to the free enterprise system and unleash the entrepreneurial skills of their students at the elementary, junior high school, high school and college level. Maximum award: $15,000. Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents employed full-time as an educator at an accredited American school (grades K-12), college or university.
Fund for Teachers: Grants for Travel and Growth
The Fund for Teachers makes direct grants to teachers for summer learning opportunities of their own design. Maximum award: $5,000. Eligibility: teachers K-12 with a minimum of three years teaching experience; teachers must be full-time and spend at least 50 percent of the time in the classroom when grants are approved and made. Deadline: varies by state.
The Global Teacher Prize
This prize is a one million dollar award that is given to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession. The Varkey Foundation established the Prize in 2014 to raise the stature of the teaching profession. We seek to celebrate the best teachers — those who inspire their students and community around them. The Foundation believes that vibrant education awakens and supports the full potential of young people. The status of teachers in our cultures is key to our global future.
Green Thumb Challenge
It’s that time of year again! GEF and Gardener’s Supply Company have teamed up on an exciting funding opportunity for established youth garden projects nationwide! The organizations are calling on schools and youth groups to submit chronicles of their garden projects in a race to win a $500 prize. The award is designed to support the continued sustainability of an exceptional youth garden program that has demonstrated success, and has impacted the lives of kids and their community.
Harbor Freight Tools for Schools
The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence recognizes outstanding skilled trades educators and programs in public high schools throughout the nation. Priority is given to entries from automotive mechanics and repair, carpentry, construction, and electrical programs in public schools. Eligible applicants are public high school educators who teach skilled trades classes that emphasize the expert use of tools and materials to build or repair products and structures, as well as lead to high-demand and high-wage careers. $500,000 in Prizes to Help Build Industrial Strength Classrooms for the 21st Century.
John H. Lounsbury Award
NMSA is giving an award to an individual who has demonstrated a high level of service, integrity, and leadership in middle school education.
Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Fellowships
Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Fellowships Program Is Designed To Support Exceptional Beginning Teachers Through The Pivotal Early Years Of Their Careers,” Said Dr. Nicole Gillespie, KSTF’s Director For Teaching Fellowships. “We Welcome Young Men And Women Who Are Passionate About Becoming Masterful Teachers And Are Committed To Math And Science Education For The Long Term.”
Maureen Hayes Author/Illustrator Award
The Maureen Hayes Award supports a visit by a nationally recognized children’s book author or illustrator to a community, with emphasis on providing opportunities for children and youth for whom a visit with an author/illustrator is a first-time experience. Previous winners include public libraries, elementary school libraries, and partnerships between public libraries and public or charter schools.
The McCarthey Dressman Education
The Academic Enrichment Grants provide funding for programs that nurture the intellectual, artistic and creative abilities of children from low-income households. The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation awards grants to individuals in amounts up to $10,000 per year for a maximum of $30,000 over three years, provided the eligibility requirements continue to be met. Grant cycle opens January 15.
McGraw-Hill Companies: Harold McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education
The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education annually recognizes outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to improving education in this country and whose accomplishments are making a difference today. Honorees are chosen by a distinguished panel of judges made up of thoughtful and influential members of the education community. Maximum award: $50,000. Eligibility: policymakers, leaders in higher education, and school-based personnel.
Milken Family Foundation: National Educator Awards
This program is designed to honor educators who are making great strides in improving education. From its original presentation of awards to a dozen California educators, the program has grown to national stature.
National Environmental Education Foundation
In addition to core programs—Classroom Earth, National Public Lands Day, National Environmental Education Week, Business and Environment, Earth Gauge® and Health and Environment—NEEF provides grants to leverage the reach of our programs, implement our program goals, support the efforts of other organizations and strengthen the environmental education (EE) field as a whole.
National Geographic Society Early Career Grants
Are designed to offer less experienced individuals an opportunity to lead a project. Grants are typically funded for US $5,000 and cannot exceed US $10,000.There is no maximum age limit for Early Career Grant applicants. However, applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application submission. Applicants are not required to have an advanced degree. Anyone with more than five years of professional experience in the field of their project focus does not qualify for an Early Career Grant and should apply for an Exploration Grant instead.
National Teacher of the Year Program
Sponsored by The Council of Chief State School Officers and Scholastic, the National Teacher of the Year Program began in 1952 and continues as the oldest national honors program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching. A national selection committee representing the major national education organizations chooses the National Teacher of the Year from among the State Teachers of the Year. The site contains information about the application and nominating processes, duties of the National Teacher of the Year, and the selection criteria.
NEA Foundation
The National Education Association’s Foundation for the Improvement of Education offers grants and awards for educators.
NSHSS Educator of the Year Award
This award is presented annually to exemplary educators who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to preparing students for success in college and in life. These awardees model best practices in teaching or administration inside and outside of the classroom, are peer role models, and demonstrate outstanding leadership and excellence in education. Any high school teacher can apply. Eligibility: Candidates must be educators currently working within a public or private high school.
Reba R. Robertson Award for Secondary Theater/Drama Teachers
The biennial Reba R. Robertson Award presented by The Children’s Theatre Foundation of America (CTFA) recognizes the important work of secondary-level theater and drama teachers in public schools throughout the United States. Eligible applicants must be current public high school teachers; be dedicated to guiding high school students through curricular, cocurricular, or extracurricular programming in the theater arts; personify mentoring qualities; demonstrate artistic excellence; verify artistic achievement; confirm broad influence on theater and drama activities within the candidate’s school, community, state, region, and beyond; and use the award to gain new experiences and grow as a theater educator.
Roots & Shoots Mini-Grants
Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Program invites U.S. educators, individuals, and group leaders to apply for a mini-grant to start, support, or celebrate their community action project! Successful applications display elements of: Youth Leadership, Service Learning, and the Roots & Shoots Model. To apply, participants must sign up for a free Roots & Shoots membership, and participants must reside in the U.S.
Shout Program
Check out Smithsonian’s free online professional development opportunities, instructional resources, and an online badging program for K-12 educators. Deadline: Ongoing – Smithsonian Institution
State Teacher of the Year
Each state has a teacher of the year program. State teachers can nominate themselves or be nominated by parents and students. Each state’s program is different; for nomination details contact the program coordinator for your state. Those who are named State Teacher of the Year are also considered for the National Teacher of the Year Award.
Teaching Ambassador Fellowship by the US Department of Education
Applications are now available online. Teaching Ambassadors are outstanding teachers who have a record of leadership, strong communication skills, and policy insight.Ambassadors work for one year for the US Department of Education, either full-time in Washington, DC or part-time in their home states. The Teaching Ambassador Fellowship supports the Department’s mission by enabling a cadre of teachers from across the country to contribute their classroom expertise to the national dialogue and in turn facilitate discussions with educators across the country.
USDA: Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award
Each year the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the National Agriculture in the Classroom Consortium recognizes five exceptional teachers by presenting them with the Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award. This competitive program recognizes a select group of teachers for their successful efforts in teaching agricultural concepts in their curriculum. Maximum award: $500; up to $1,500 for travel-related expenses to the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference. Eligibility: pre-K-12 teachers.
U.S. Government: Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program
The Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program provides opportunities for teachers to participate in direct exchanges of positions with colleagues from other countries for a semester or academic year. By living and working in the cultures of their host countries, Fulbright teachers gain an understanding and appreciation of the similarities and differences in national cultures and education systems. Maximum award: year-long or semester-long direct exchange of teaching positions with a counterpart in another country teaching the same subject(s) at the same level. Eligibility: full-time U.S. teachers.
VFW Teacher of the Year
The VFW Teacher of the Year award contest recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Each year, a classroom elementary, junior high and high school teacher whose curriculum focuses on citizenship education topics — for at least half of the school day in a classroom environment — can be nominated for the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Winners receive: A $1,000 award for professional development expenses. A $1,000 award for his/her school. Two award plaques: one for the teacher, the other for his/her school. An all-expenses-paid trip to attend a VFW conference to receive their award.
Harris Wofford Service-Learning Awards
The Harris Wofford Awards, presented by Youth Service America and proudly sponsored by State Farm, were established in 2002 to honor former Senator Harris Wofford. This award is the highest honor Youth Service America gives each year and it carries significant prestige since it recognizes one of our nation’s greatest public servants. The Harris Wofford Award was created to honor those who do extraordinary work towards achieving Senator Wofford’s vision of “making service and service-learning the common expectation and common experience of every young person in America.” The Wofford Awards recognize extraordinary achievements in five categories: Youth, Organizations, Media, Public Officials (added in 2009) and Educators (new in 2012).