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