Best Professional Development Grants for Teachers in New York

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies in New York working on teacher development and training can seek support for professional development initiatives. Focused on strategic, long-term impact, the Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation offers primarily general operating and some restricted grants to high-performing education organizations whose work aligns with its program goals.

New York firms and contractors that provide clean energy curriculum resources or educator professional development can apply for NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Career Awareness Program, with awards up to US $5,000,000. Grants from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority help New York teacher development and training through web-based teaching resources and large-scale educator training, especially in disadvantaged communities and priority districts.

Teacher development and Earth science education initiatives in New York can access funding and promotional support through the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. NAGT sponsors long-term programs and single events led by organizations, groups, or individuals that align with its mission and follow its ethics policy and code of conduct, and provides visibility for sponsored activities.

Geoscience educators and professionals contributing peer reviews to the Journal of Geoscience Education can receive US $500 awards recognizing outstanding review quality and commitment. Grants from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers help support professional growth for reviewers, which may benefit New York teachers involved in Earth science education and teacher development and training.

With a mission to promote excellence in geoscience education, National Association of Geoscience Teachers provides New York teacher development and training professionals with the JGE Outstanding Paper Award, offering US $500 for exemplary geoscience education research articles. Eligible nominators include Journal of Geoscience Education readers, authors, and Editorial Board members recognizing innovative, high-impact scholarship.

New York geoscience educators focused on teacher development and training can access recognition and support through the Neil Miner Award, honoring exceptional stimulation of interest in the Earth sciences. Nominated individuals are evaluated by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers based on letters from students, colleagues, and administrators plus a curriculum vitae.

Focused on teacher development and training, this program invites New York geoscience departments to nominate outstanding undergraduate or graduate teaching assistants for national recognition. Eligible TAs support geoscience education instruction; nominations must come from an instructor or department leader and may be submitted up to 12 months after the student’s graduation.

K–12 teachers and educators who teach significant earth science content in New York can receive recognition and support for outstanding classroom work. Grants from National Association of Geoscience Teachers help New York teacher development and training by honoring exceptional contributions, stimulating higher teaching performance, and strengthening connections among pre-college earth science educators nationwide.

New York teacher development and training professionals in geoscience education who advance justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion can be nominated for this recognition award. The Excellence in JEDI Award from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers honors individuals for impactful JEDI-focused activities, mentorship, leadership, and scholarship, and includes a complimentary one-year NAGT membership and presentation opportunity.

Earth science educators producing exceptional writing or editing for the public or teachers, including those in New York, can be nominated for the James H. Shea Award. This annual honor from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers recognizes outstanding Earth science materials and may support educators engaged in professional development and teacher training. NAGT members submit nominations, including self-nominations.

Focused on teacher development and training, the Schenectady Foundation supports Schenectady County high school seniors planning teaching careers with scholarships up to US $10,000. New York students who meet academic, residency, and financial need criteria can use funds for college tuition and related costs, which may help future teachers access professional preparation opportunities.

Teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community members in New York’s Germantown Central School District can apply for Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Germantown Student Education Arts and Humanities Endowment, awarding US $100 - US $2,500 for arts and humanities projects. Funding can support professional development, artists-in-residence, field trips, new programs, independent study, and other enrichment activities.

Middle and high school teachers in New York seeking professional development through Harvard Extension School courses can access discounted tuition via the Lowell Teachers Scholarships. With a mission to expand rigorous continuing education, Harvard University provides educators with half-tuition scholarships for one fall or spring course, supporting higher education, adult learning, and teacher development.

The MSU Graduate Teaching Scholarships recognize the vital role graduate students play in undergraduate education by providing financial support for their teaching efforts. Eligible candidates must have a graduate teaching assistantship, complete professional development, and apply before the semester starts. Scholarships range from $250 to $1000, promoting excellence in teaching and enriching the educational experience at Montana State University.

The BIE Professional Development Funding for STEM Educators and Students, offered by the Native Forward Scholars Fund, supports training opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for TCU faculty, staff, and students. This funding assists with costs related to professional development including continuing education, conferences, and certifications. Eligible applicants include educators at BIE-funded or controlled schools, as well as those at institutions with significant Native American populations, fostering increased representation and support for Native scholars.

The BIE Internship Funding for STEM Students, offered by the Native Forward Scholars Fund, provides financial assistance to Native students for approved internships related to STEM. This initiative helps cover costs such as travel, living expenses, and daily commuting, facilitating valuable professional experiences. By supporting these students, the program aims to enhance Native representation in STEM fields and empower future leaders within their communities, contributing positively to society's growth and diversity.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Katherine K. Greiner Scholarship ($3,000) 

This renewable scholarship was established to support students who plan to become elementary, middle or high school teachers. 

Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) 

Founded in 1967, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) is a national community of academic leaders committed to developing an accomplished family medicine workforce, prepared to serve as the foundation of America’s health care system. Our members include physicians, PAs, nurse practitioners, behavioral health specialists, researchers, pharmacists, nurses and other health care professionals, health system executives, administrators, coordinators, fellows, residents, students, and others involved in the education of family physicians. 

STFM Excellence in Education Award

Designed to honor outstanding teachers, the STFM Excellence in Education Award recognizes an STFM member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching, curriculum development, mentoring, research, or leadership in education at regional or national levels. Nominees must have sustained involvement in family medicine education.

The selection is made by the STFM Nominations Committee and approved by the STFM Board of Directors. Nominations are ranked based on the:

• Contributions recognized at the home institution
• Regional/national impact of nominee's activities
• Sustained involvement in family medicine education

Nominees must be STFM members. Members of the Nominations Committee are not eligible to receive the award while serving on the Committee.

The CGC scholarship provides Pre-K to grade 12 teachers with an opportunity to explore the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and gain insights into the role of plants in our ecosystem. Participants will engage in hands-on learning about plant biology and their interactions within diverse environments. The scholarship covers course fees and essential materials, promoting authentic learning experiences that teachers can implement in their classrooms.

The NewSchools Learning Differences Grant Program aims to enhance educational opportunities for students who learn differently, particularly those affected by poverty and racism. The program invests in innovative solutions and models that support personalized education for these students, ensuring they have access to quality instruction and belonging within school communities. With a focus on equity, it seeks ideas that align with its core investment areas and addresses the needs of marginalized learners.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The James C. Kapteyn Endowment Fund, established in 2009, honors the legacy of dedicated educator Jamie Kapteyn. This fund recognizes exemplary high school teachers in the Berkshire Taconic region, offering the annual Kapteyn Prize to those who inspire students and excel in various school roles. Winners are encouraged to use the funds for personal enrichment, enhancing their teaching impact. Nominations are accepted from school leaders for teachers committed to fostering excellence in education.

The Fund for Teachers Fellowship empowers educators to design personalized learning experiences that enhance their professional skills and student engagement. With over 20 years of experience, this initiative has supported more than 10,000 teachers, enabling them to transform their classrooms through unique fellowship opportunities. Eligible applicants include full-time teachers in the U.S. who have at least three years of teaching experience and plan to return to the classroom after their fellowship. This fellowship fosters innovative teaching practices and collaborative growth.

The Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award Trust Grant honors educators who inspire students to create impactful organizations or movements. Established in 2008, the trust has awarded over $3.5 million to 148 professors across the U.S. The grant primarily supports those teaching in psychology, medicine, or law, emphasizing the importance of community contribution. Eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have inspired their former students to make a difference.

The MG Eugene C. Renzi, USA (Ret.) STEM Teachers Scholarship, funded by AFCEA and ManTech International, offers $2,500 annually to support U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing graduate-level education in STEM teaching for grades K-12. This scholarship honors the legacy of Maj. Gen. Renzi and is aimed at candidates with a minimum GPA of 3.5 who are enrolled in accredited programs. It covers tuition and course-related expenses, fostering future educators in critical STEM fields.

The Ignite Leadership Program, organized by the Society of Women Engineers, empowers early-career women engineers to enhance their leadership skills. Participants will assess their strengths, identify growth opportunities, and create personalized leadership development plans. This virtual program runs from September to December 2025, featuring group discussions and peer coaching. Its goal is to broaden the leadership pipeline within SWE, preparing the next generation of women leaders in engineering and technology.

The Music Teachers of Excellence (MToE) Award, managed by the CMA Foundation, recognizes outstanding public-school music educators. This prestigious award, with a $5,000 prize, aims to support teachers who inspire students and enrich their communities through music education. The application will open on September 3, 2025, allowing full-time music teachers with at least four years of experience to showcase their commitment and impact in the field. Stay tuned for more details!