Even with the unknowns surrounding classrooms resuming in person in the fall, educators know that school will continue in some fashion and that professional development will still be important to nurture. Professional development experiences help enrich, grow, and deepen your practice, and in turn, they benefit students. But, as budgets across districts become tighter, it can be hard to find the funds to provide educators with these opportunities. Never fear—grants are here to step in and help out!

Here are a few top grants developed to provide opportunities for you the upcoming school year.

Fund for Teachers

When to apply: Applications for the 2021 fund open on October 1, 2020

Award: Varies

Description from Fund for Teachers:

Fund for Teachers supports educators' efforts to develop skills, knowledge, and confidence that impact student achievement. By trusting teachers to design unique fellowships, Fund for Teachers grants validate teachers' professionalism and leadership, as well. Since 2001, Fund for Teachers has invested $33.5 million in nearly 9,000 teachers, transforming grants into growth for teachers and their students.

NCTM Emerging Teacher-Leaders in Elementary School Mathematics Grants

When to apply: Applications are open in August of 2020—deadline to submit is November 1, 2020

Award: Up to $6,000 each

Description from NCTM:

The Mathematics Education Trust (MET) was established in 1976 to channel the generosity of contributors through the creation and funding of grants, awards, honors, and other projects that support the improvement of mathematics teaching and learning.

NOAA Teacher at Sea

Deadline: Applications open on November 1, 2020

Award: Varies; grants cover travel costs, lodging, and per diem allowance

Description from the NOAA:

The mission of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Teacher at Sea Program is to provide teachers hands-on, real-world research experience working at sea with world-renowned NOAA scientists, thereby giving them unique insight into oceanic and atmospheric research crucial to the nation. The program provides a unique opportunity for kindergarten through college-level teachers to sail aboard NOAA research ships to work under the tutelage of scientists and crew.

Participants are assigned a cruise aboard one of NOAA's ships or a partner charter ship. NOAA conducts three main types of cruises:

• Fisheries research cruises perform biological and physical surveys to ensure sustainable fisheries and healthy marine habitats.

• Oceanographic research cruises perform physical science studies to increase our understanding of the world's oceans and climate.

• Hydrographic survey cruises scan the coastal sea floor to locate submerged obstructions and navigational hazards for the creation and update of the nation's nautical charts.

McCarthey Dressman Teacher Development Grants

Deadline: Submissions accepted January 15, 2021 – April 15, 2021, or when 350 applications are received.

Award: Varies

Description from the McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation:

The Teacher Development Grants support small teams of teachers in the formation and implementation of groundbreaking K–12 classroom instruction. The grants provide opportunities for teachers to integrate fresh strategies that encourage critical inquiry and to observe their effects on students. Teachers have the opportunity to reflect and write about their projects, as well as to share their results with other teachers. The 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.

Interested in more ways to grow in your professional development as an educator? Browse the professional development tag on our blog for more resources!