Best Professional Development Grants for Teachers in Wisconsin

The Joyce Foundation's Education & Economic Mobility Grants aim to close income and race disparities in college and career success. The foundation prioritizes equitable access to high-quality education, supporting policies for effective educators, high school graduation, and affordable college credentials. Focused on racial equity and economic mobility, it addresses the needs of historically underserved young people in the Great Lakes region and invests in research, policy development, and advocacy to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Transition Readiness Grants program, established under 2017 Act 59 with $1.5 million in funding, aims to help Wisconsin students with disabilities transition to competitive work and post-secondary education. Since its inception in FY 2019, it has received over 130 applications totaling more than $9 million. Eligible school districts can apply for FY 24 funding to support evidence-based transition practices, including transportation options, competitive employment training programs, and post-secondary supports.

The Herb Kohl Principal Leadership Award aims to honor and support exemplary school administrators in Wisconsin. Award recipients, including up to 17 principals annually, receive $6,000 grants for personal and school development. Eligible nominees are Pre-K through Grade 12 principals who are nominated by various stakeholders. The program fosters leadership excellence, enhancing educational experiences in Wisconsin's public and private schools.

The Herb Kohl Principal Leadership Award supports Wisconsin's private school principals and administrators by recognizing their leadership. Each year, up to four private school principals can receive a $6,000 grant, alongside a matching grant for their school. This award aims to help administrators achieve their professional goals and enhance their schools. Eligible nominees must be committed to their roles for the upcoming school year, and prior recipients may reapply if nominated.

The Janesville Multicultural Teacher Scholarship (JMTS) supports non-traditional students pursuing careers in education. Offered by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, this renewable scholarship aims to foster diversity in teaching by assisting African American, Latino, Asian, and Native American students. Applicants must maintain a 2.75 GPA and commit to applying for employment within the School District of Janesville upon earning their Educator Certification. This initiative strengthens educational opportunities for underrepresented communities.

The Janesville Multicultural Teacher Scholarship (JMTS) is a renewable scholarship aimed at high school students from multicultural backgrounds pursuing a career in education. Sponsored by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, this program requires applicants to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 and commit to applying for employment within the School District of Janesville after receiving their Educator Certification. It promotes diversity in teaching and supports students in their educational aspirations.

The Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship Program supports Wisconsin's public school teachers by recognizing their excellence and innovation. Each year, 100 teachers and their respective schools receive $6,000 grants to help realize their professional goals. Nominees, who can be suggested by various community members, must continue teaching for at least 50% of the next school year. The program also serves as a pathway for recipients to be considered for the Wisconsin Teacher of the Year award.

The Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship Program honors exceptional teachers in Wisconsin, providing support for professional development. Each of the 100 selected teachers receives a $6,000 grant, with matching funds for their schools. Nominations can come from various community members, and eligibility includes all PK-12 classroom teachers planning to continue teaching. This initiative aims to recognize and enhance teaching excellence, fostering innovation in education across the state.

Expanded Wisconsin Fast Forward Grants

The objective of the Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) expanded grant program is to award funds that reimburse the costs of workforce development activities, as specified in the Grant Program Announcement (GPA).

Teacher Training and Recruitment Grants

This expanded WFF grant program is to recruit and prepare individuals to teach in low-income or urban school districts in Wisconsin as a profession.

Amount:

• Up to $1,000,000 is being made available for this GPA.

Grant Amount:

• Up to $250,000.

Match:

• No Match required.

The Windgate Charitable Trust Grant supports contemporary craft and visual arts in the U.S. It offers funding for fellowships, residencies, educational outreach, and materials for craft programs. The foundation prioritizes strengthening visual arts in colleges and expanding K-12 art-integrated programs, providing opportunities for artists and educators to enhance their skills and foster creativity among students. Organizations with previous funding from Windgate can apply through the grantee portal.

The Dr. Harry J. Heeb Foundation Grant supports underprivileged and abused children, providing medical attention for related disabilities in the fields of eye, ear, nose, and throat health. It also funds education and training for healthcare providers and nurses. Operating primarily in Florida and Wisconsin, the foundation seeks to improve the lives of those in need through both direct support and research. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $20,000.

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.

The BACKstage Grant Fall 2025, offered by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), provides funding for secondary education theatre teachers to enhance their professional development. Grants support various expenses, including workshop registrations, travel, and educational supplies. Eligible applicants must be secondary school educators teaching theatre-related subjects, and all funded activities must be completed within a year. This initiative fosters growth and innovation in the performing arts community.

The Robert Christman Distinguished Service Award, established in 2008 by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, honors individuals for their exceptional and long-term contributions to geoscience education. Named after Robert "Bob" Christman, who dedicated over thirty years of service, this award recognizes nominees who demonstrate significant impact at both national and section levels. Active NAGT members can submit nominations that detail the nominee's contributions, promoting excellence in the geoscience community.

The National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) has been promoting excellence in geoscience education since 1938. Through its sponsorships, NAGT aims to enhance visibility and impact within the geoscience community, fostering collaborations and expanding membership. Sponsorships support both long-term programs and single events, ensuring that NAGT is acknowledged and involved in all associated activities. This initiative aligns with NAGT's mission to provide effective Earth education to diverse audiences.

The JGE Outstanding Reviewer Award, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, recognizes exceptional reviewers for their quality and quantity of contributions to the Journal of Geoscience Education. Eligible nominators include JGE authors and Editorial Board members, who must describe the nominee's outstanding peer-review contributions. This prestigious award aims to honor those who enhance the journal's integrity and effectiveness in geoscience education.

The JGE Outstanding Paper Award, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, recognizes exceptional contributions to geoscience education. Nominations are open to JGE readers, authors, and Editorial Board members, and must include a discussion of how the nominated paper enhances student learning, advances the discipline, or demonstrates significant societal impact. This prestigious award has been celebrating excellence in education since 1938.

The Neil Miner Award, presented annually by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, honors outstanding contributions to stimulating interest in Earth sciences. Established in 1953, this prestigious award recognizes educators who embody personal excellence and effective teaching, inspired by Neil Miner's philosophy. Nominations are open to NAGT members, who may submit a letter of nomination, letters of support, and the nominee's curriculum vitae. This award promotes excellence in geoscience education and celebrates dedicated educators.

The Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), honor exemplary teaching assistants in geoscience education. With up to 30 awards given annually, both undergraduate and graduate TAs are eligible. Winners receive a one-year NAGT membership, including a subscription to the Journal of Geoscience Education. This award aims to recognize the contributions of TAs in enhancing Earth education, regardless of their formal titles.

The Outstanding Earth Science Teacher (OEST) Award recognizes exceptional K-12 educators for their contributions to Earth Science education. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, the award aims to stimulate interest in Earth Sciences among students. Eight national finalists are chosen annually, ensuring broad recognition and encouraging teaching excellence. Nominees can apply themselves or be nominated by colleagues, allowing for two awards in an educator's career to honor both early and late career achievements.

The Excellence in JEDI Award, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), honors individuals who promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in geoscience education. This prestigious award recognizes significant contributions, including mentorship and advocacy for marginalized groups. Awardees receive a one-year NAGT membership and an opportunity to present their work at a DEI event. Nominations are accepted online, and selections are made by the NAGT DEI Committee.

The James H. Shea Award, presented annually by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), recognizes outstanding contributions in writing and editing Earth science materials aimed at the public and educators. Established in 1991, this prestigious award honors the legacy of James H. Shea, a dedicated advocate for quality geoscience education. Nominations require a detailed letter outlining the nominee's exceptional contributions, reinforcing NAGT's commitment to fostering excellence in Earth science education.

The Community Foundation of Chippewa County offers the Northwestern Bank Mini Grant to support innovative educational projects for 3rd to 8th grade teachers in Chippewa County. This initiative aims to foster creativity and motivation among students through diverse learning activities. By pooling resources and encouraging multigenerational giving, the foundation seeks to enhance the educational landscape and provide lasting benefits to the community. The grants reflect a commitment to nurturing the next generation of learners.

The Lowell Teachers Scholarships, offered by Harvard University, allow middle and high school teachers to enroll in one Extension School course per term at half the tuition cost. This initiative promotes professional development by making Harvard's rigorous academic programs accessible to educators. Limited scholarships are available, encouraging early application. Note that these scholarships cannot be used for summer courses or combined with other financial aid, ensuring focused support for teachers dedicated to enhancing their skills.

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 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.