Best Professional Development Grants for Teachers in Missouri

Graduating seniors from North Kansas City School District high schools planning to pursue a teaching degree in Missouri can receive US $2,000 toward higher education costs. The Virginia Whitsitt Memorial Scholarship from Greater Kansas City Community Foundation supports future teachers’ training, and may also assist current teachers returning for a master’s in education.

Missouri teacher development nonprofits and educational institutions can access funding to support visual art–integrated professional development and training programs. Windgate Charitable Trust backs initiatives that expand visual arts in K–12 schools, strengthen college and university visual arts, and advance contemporary craft through residencies, fellowships, programming, scholarships, and equipment needs.

The Ray Y Gildea Jr Award, provided by the Royal Geographical Society, offers grants of up to £1,000 to support innovative teaching methods in higher and secondary education. This endowed award aims to enhance geography education by funding projects that develop, research, or pilot new approaches, ultimately benefiting students directly. Eligible applicants must be actively teaching in the higher education or secondary school sectors in the UK or USA.

Individual SHAPE America members in Missouri with at least five years of membership and distinguished careers in health or physical education, sport, dance, or physical activity can be nominated for this national Hall of Fame recognition. The Society of Health and Physical Educators honors leaders whose work advances equitable, high-quality school-based programs and professional practice, supporting teacher development and training.

Secondary school theatre educators in Missouri can use this grant to fund professional development, workshops, travel, and instructional equipment. With a mission to connect performing arts design and technology communities, United States Institute for Theatre Technology provides up to US $500 to support training, conferences, and classroom-related theatre technology needs within one year of award.

Teacher development and training professionals in Missouri can be honored for long-term service to geoscience education through this distinguished service award, which recognizes Earth science educators’ contributions to the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. NAGT members may submit detailed nominations highlighting an individual’s sustained impact at the national and/or section level.

Teacher-focused organizations and geoscience educators in Missouri can receive sponsorship from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers to support Earth science education programs and professional development activities. NAGT provides sponsorships for long-term programs and single events that advance geoscience teaching, enhance educator training, and align with its mission and ethics policies.

Geoscience educators involved with the Journal of Geoscience Education who contribute high-quality, timely peer reviews can receive the JGE Outstanding Reviewer Award, including US $500, from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. Missouri teachers engaged in geoscience education and journal reviewing may benefit as part of their professional development and recognition.

Geoscience educators with outstanding scholarly articles on Earth education can receive recognition and US $500 for impactful research, curriculum, or instruction work, including those in Missouri. With a mission to promote excellence in geoscience education, National Association of Geoscience Teachers honors papers that enhance student learning, advance geoscience education, and demonstrate broad societal impact.

Missouri teacher development and training professionals who teach geoscience may be eligible for the Neil Miner Award recognizing exceptional efforts to stimulate interest in Earth sciences. Offered by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, this annual honor is based on nominations with letters of support and a curriculum vitae.

Geoscience departments and instructors in Missouri and nationwide can nominate undergraduate or graduate teaching assistants for recognition of their teaching work. Focused on teacher development and training, the National Association of Geoscience Teachers honors up to 30 TAs annually with awards that include a one-year NAGT membership and journal access.

K–12 teachers and educators in Missouri who teach significant earth science content can be recognized for exceptional contributions through the Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award, supporting professional growth and visibility. Grants from National Association of Geoscience Teachers help earth science educators nationwide, with regional and sometimes state-level honorees selected; educators may apply or be nominated.

Missouri teacher development and training professionals in geoscience education can access recognition through the Excellence in JEDI Award, honoring justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work. Administered by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, this annual award supports individuals leading inclusive Earth science education, offering a complimentary NAGT membership and a chance to present their work.

Individuals who write or edit Earth science materials of interest to teachers or the general public, including those in Missouri, can be nominated for the annual James H. Shea Award from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. NAGT members, including self-nominees, submit a detailed nomination letter describing the nominee’s exceptional Earth science writing or editing contributions.

Middle and high school teachers in Missouri seeking professional development can receive half-tuition scholarships for one Harvard Extension School course per fall and spring term through the Lowell Teachers Scholarships. With a mission to expand access to rigorous continuing education, President and Fellows of Harvard College support teacher development and training for U.S. educators.

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. 

The PLTW Launch program offers grants to public schools for implementing Project Lead The Way modules. Grantees must provide at least one module in the 2025-2026 academic year, with an additional module in subsequent years. The total grant is $10,000, with $7,500 allocated for the first year and $2,500 for the second. Annual reporting and surveys are required to ensure program effectiveness and continuous improvement.

The PLTW Gateway grant supports public schools in offering innovative STEM education. Grantees must provide at least one PLTW Gateway unit during the 2026-2027 academic year, with an additional unit each subsequent year. The total grant award is $20,000, distributed in two installments. Grantees are required to submit annual reports and assist in student and teacher surveys to ensure ongoing program improvement. Eligible districts span several states, including Arkansas, Georgia, and Texas.

The PLTW Engineering grant supports public schools in implementing at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2025-2026 academic year, with a total funding of $30,000 over two years. Eligible districts include those in Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Grantees are required to submit annual reports and assist in collecting surveys to enhance program effectiveness and share results with stakeholders.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion grant, funded by Project Lead The Way Inc, offers $10,000 to public schools in specific districts across several states, including Arkansas, Georgia, and Virginia. This grant aims to enhance existing PLTW Engineering courses or add new ones, alongside teacher training for the 2025-2026 academic year. Grantees are required to submit annual reports and assist in collecting surveys to aid in program improvement and stakeholder engagement.

The PLTW Gateway Program Expansion grant, funded by Huber in partnership with Project Lead The Way Inc., offers $10,000 to public schools aiming to enhance their existing PLTW Gateway programs for the 2026-2027 academic year. Eligible schools can use the funds for adding new units, increasing class periods, or training additional teachers. Annual reports and surveys are required to assess the program's impact and effectiveness.

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.