Substitute Teaching Tips: College scholarships for future teachers.

Teaching is a rewarding career choice for those who want to shape the young minds of the future. At Kelly Education, we employ thousands of substitute teachers who fall in love with the profession and discover that they want to make it a lifelong career. And, that’s when college scholarships help!

In most circumstances, teachers must hold a bachelor’s degree to become a teacher, which can make the cost of college tuition a potential barrier. Fortunately, there are many scholarships for teachers that help cover college expenses. Our team found a few that we think our substitute teachers could consider.

What’s the average cost of a college education?

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost to attend college, including books, daily living expenses, supplies, and tuition, has more than doubled in the 21st century. Cost of attendance (COA) includes total expenses plus room and board for students who choose to live on campus. For students enrolled at a public U.S. college, the average cost of attendance is $26,027 annually for in-state students and $27,091 for out-of-state students. Those who prefer to attend a private college are looking at an average cost of $55,840 annually. 

How can scholarships help?

Scholarships are financial awards provided to individuals to help pay for college expenses and do not need to be repaid. Organizations, foundations, governments, colleges, charities, and clubs are examples of institutions that offer scholarships. 

Some college scholarships for aspiring teachers offer a one-time award, while others are renewable and provide financial support for each semester or year you’re in school. 

Scholarships for future teachers.

Below are nine college scholarships for aspiring teachers, including the award amount and student eligibility requirements. Note that there are many more scholarships out there. Your state may have a teacher shortage and provide even more scholarships, grants, or incentives to students who want to earn a teaching degree. 

Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Elementary and Secondary Teacher Scholarships

The Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Elementary and Secondary Teacher scholarships are issued through the Daughters of the American Revolution. Of the two scholarships awarded, one is for those studying to become an elementary school teacher and the other for students studying to teach at the secondary level. 

• Award amount: $1,500 
• Student level: Undergraduate sophomore or higher, 25 years or older.

Jack Kinnamon Scholarship

The Jack Kinnamon Scholarship Fund was created in honor of former National Education Association (NEA) Vice President Jack Kinnamon. His family designed the program to support aspiring educators. Five scholarships are issued annually. As part of the application process, you must obtain several letters of recommendation. 

• Award amount: $3,500 annually 
• Student level: Undergraduate and graduate students 

James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation

The James Madison Memorial Fellowship scholarship is for college seniors and graduates who want to earn a master’s degree in American government, American history, or civics to teach grades 7 – 12. Applicants must have earned their bachelor’s degree by August 31 of the year they apply. 

• Award amount: Up to $24,000 
• Student level: Undergraduate seniors and students who have graduated 

Nancy Larson Foundation College Scholarship

Nancy Larson is an author and publisher who awards five Nancy Larson Foundation scholarships annually to those on the path of becoming elementary school teachers. A personal narrative submission is required for consideration. 

• Award amount: $1,500 
• Student level: Undergraduate juniors, seniors, and graduate students 

Prospective 7 – 12 Secondary Teacher Course Work Scholarships

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Trust issues this scholarship to those pursuing a degree to teach secondary school mathematics. You must be a member of the NCTM to qualify. 

• Award amount: Up to $10,000 
• Student level: Undergraduate sophomores 

Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) Prospective Educator Scholarships

PDK Prospective Educator scholarships include over 100 scholarships available for those who plan to major in education, some of which require a specific specialty. You must be a member in good standing of Educators Rising, PDK International, Educators Rising Collegiate, or Pi Lambda Theta. 

• Award amount: $500 to $4,000 
• Student level: Undergraduate students 

Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) Teacher Graduate Scholarships

The competitive-based STEM Teachers scholarship is issued by the AFCEA Educational Foundation to students enrolled in a program that leads to teaching science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) for grades K – 12. You must be high achieving to secure this scholarship. 

• Award amount: $2,500 
• Student level: Graduate students 

Teach For America Program 

The Teach For America Program is an initiative for individuals committed to participating in their two-year program. Those who serve are eligible for up to $6,495 in awards that are disbursed upon completing the program, which includes teaching in underserved communities. You must have a bachelor’s degree by the start of the program, which is mid-June of each year. 

• Award amount: Up to $6,495 total 
• Student level: Bachelor’s degree 

The TEACH Grant Program

The TEACH Grant is part of the federal student aid programs available to students who demonstrate a financial need. Individuals apply for the program by completing a Free Applicant for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) form. To receive a TEACH Grant, you must agree to complete a teaching service obligation at one of the schools that participate in the program. 

• Award amount: Up to $4,000 annually 
• Student level: Undergraduate students 

Tips to securing a scholarship.

With many applicants vying for scholarships, it’s important to make your application stand out. Consider these tips to boost your visibility and increase your chances of success: 

• Conduct research – In addition to looking online, reach out to community centers, local governments, high school student counselors, and college career centers to ask about teaching scholarships that might be available to you. 
• Review requirements and carefully follow instructions – As you identify scholarships of interest, be sure to carefully read through the requirements. If you don’t follow instructions or submit all that is required, your application is likely to be rejected. 
• Have someone review and proof any essays or writing content you submit – Your application and any content required to go with it needs to be professionally written and leave a positive impact. Ask for input from others regarding any essays required, and also ask someone to proof your work before you submit it. 
• Create a spreadsheet to keep track of scholarship deadlines and submitted applications. As you begin identifying and submitting scholarships, it’s helpful to create a spreadsheet to track your interests and submissions. Include the name of the scholarship, the deadline for submission, and the winner announcement date, at a minimum. 

How substitute teaching can help to finance a teaching degree.

Working as a substitute teacher is one way you can help cover the cost of college while also supporting your career goals. 

Here are the many benefits that substitute teaching offers to prospective teachers: 

• Valuable experience – Working as a substitute teacher provides you with practical work experience that can help you land a full-time teaching job in the future. 
• Supplemental income – Substitute teaching is a great way to supplement income while studying to become a teacher. 
• Flexible schedule – Securing a substitute teaching position provides you with flexibility in your schedule, so you can choose to work around your college courses and studying. 
• Support scholarship submissions – Since substitute teachers already have teaching experience, it speaks to their desire to be in the teaching field and can support their efforts in landing a scholarship. Being able to share your hands-on experience during the application process – like in a required essay – can give you a leg up on the competition.  

Grow with Kelly Education.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your practice as a substitute teacher, check out these articles: 

• Instructional strategies for substitute teachers 

• Classroom management for substitute teachers 

• How to introduce yourself as a substitute teacher 

Want to become a substitute teacher? Fill out our brief interest form and one of our recruiters will contact you to answer your questions and share more about opportunities to become a sub teacher with one of our school district partners.

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