Best Professional Development Grants for Teachers in South Carolina

Grants from South Carolina Department of Education help South Carolina teacher development and training providers run Advanced Placement Teacher Institutes for public school teachers. Eligible applicants must propose College Board–aligned institutes that prepare newly assigned AP teachers with content knowledge, instructional strategies, and the required endorsement to teach AP courses in high schools.

Public, private, and charter schools in South Carolina can fund arts supplies, equipment, residencies, or teacher professional development that address COVID-related learning loss and promote arts integration. With a mission to strengthen arts education, South Carolina Arts Commission provides up to US $5,000 per school for materials, conferences, memberships, and arts-rich training projects.

South Carolina and North Carolina 501(c)(3) public charities offering teacher development and training or related education programs may be eligible for professional development support. With a mission to foster education, healthcare, human services, and Jewish values, Leon Levine Foundation provides funding to well-established nonprofits serving Carolinians with strong leadership and sustainable revenue.

K–12 teachers and music educators in South Carolina can receive US $500 to cover travel and attendance costs for the Teaching Music History Conference, plus complimentary registration. Grants from American Musicological Society support U.S. legal residents interested in American music, professional development, and historical pedagogy through cohort activities and networking sessions at the conference.

With a mission to support innovative global journalism education, Pulitzer Center provides South Carolina classroom teachers with a paid virtual Fall Teacher Fellowship focused on health inequities reporting. Eligible U.S. grades 4–12 educators, including those in detention facilities, receive US $500 and structured professional development to design civic engagement lessons using underreported global health stories.

SHAPE America members with at least five years of membership who lead health, physical education, sport, dance, or physical activity programs in the U.S., including South Carolina, can be nominated for this Hall of Fame Award. This Society of Health and Physical Educators honor recognizes nationally significant educational contributions and professional service in school or higher education settings.

Secondary school theatre educators in South Carolina can use this grant to fund professional development, workshops, travel, and classroom equipment. With a mission to connect performing arts design and technology communities, United Institute for Theatre Technology provides up to US $500 to support theatre, design, technology, management, or production teachers’ growth.

Geoscience educators contributing to professional development and service within the National Association of Geoscience Teachers may be eligible for recognition through this distinguished service award, including those in South Carolina. The Robert Christman Distinguished Service Award honors long-term, outstanding service to NAGT at the national or section level, with recipients selected by the Executive Committee from member nominations.

South Carolina teacher development and training programs in geoscience education can access funding and promotional support via the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. NAGT sponsors long-term programs and single events such as courses, field trips, and meeting sessions that align with its mission, ethics policy, and code of conduct, with opportunities available across the U.S.

Geoscience educators involved with the Journal of Geoscience Education who contribute high-quality, timely peer reviews can receive US $500 in recognition, including those based in South Carolina. Grants from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers honor outstanding reviewers nominated by JGE authors or Editorial Board members for their exceptional service over the past year.

Geoscience educators publishing in the Journal of Geoscience Education can receive US $500 for outstanding scholarly papers that enhance student learning, advance geoscience education, or demonstrate broad societal impact. With a mission to promote excellence, National Association of Geoscience Teachers provides South Carolina teacher development and training professionals with recognition-based professional development support through this annual paper award.

South Carolina geoscience educators focused on teacher development can access recognition through the Neil Miner Award, honoring exceptional efforts to stimulate interest in the Earth sciences. Nominated individuals are evaluated by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers based on letters of support and a curriculum vitae, offering a national professional development distinction for outstanding teaching.

Geoscience departments and instructors in South Carolina can nominate undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants for recognition of outstanding teaching work. Focused on teacher development and training, the National Association of Geoscience Teachers invites nominations for its Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards, which honor TAs’ instructional contributions and provide professional benefits such as association membership.

K–12 teachers and educators in South Carolina who teach significant earth science content can receive recognition and support for exceptional classroom work through the Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award. Grants from National Association of Geoscience Teachers help professional development and teacher training in geoscience; eight national finalists are chosen from regional sections, with possible state-level honors.

South Carolina earth science educators and other geoscience teachers engaged in professional development around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion may be eligible for the Excellence in JEDI Award. South Carolina teacher development and training professionals can access recognition and support through National Association of Geoscience Teachers, including a complimentary membership and opportunities to share their JEDI-focused work.

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

Public schools offering Algebra 1 in Bishopville, South Carolina can receive in-kind support to implement PLTW’s Algebra 1 Advantage program and related teacher training. Project Lead The Way covers the 2026–2027 participation fee and one core training registration, helping K–12 educators strengthen STEM-focused math instruction and professional development; awards are valued at US $1,000.

The Slater Excellence in Teaching Award, offered by the Polk County Community Foundation, supports certified classroom teachers and media specialists in Polk County and Landrum. This program encourages professional growth by funding attendance at educational conferences and unique travel experiences related to their curriculum. The aim is to enhance classroom teaching through innovative learning opportunities. Eligible applicants must work directly with students and submit individual applications, ensuring impactful teaching practices in the local community.

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 Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

The Grades 7-12 Preservice Teacher Coursework Scholarship, provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, offers financial support for students preparing to teach secondary school mathematics. Eligible candidates must be college sophomores or graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aids in funding coursework and graduation within two to three years, ensuring a robust pipeline of qualified mathematics educators.

The Mathematics Grades 6–12 Pre-service Teacher Course Work Scholarship, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to support college students preparing to teach secondary school mathematics. Eligible candidates include those completing their sophomore year with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, pursuing a full-time teaching credential. This scholarship fosters high-quality mathematics education, ensuring that future teachers have the necessary resources to succeed in their academic and professional journeys.

The Opening Gates for Prospective Teachers Grant, established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to honor Dr. James Gates by funding electronic student memberships for prospective mathematics teachers from PreK-12. This initiative supports the council's mission to enhance mathematics education by providing resources for future educators. Eligible applicants include leaders of teacher preparation programs who are NCTM members and actively involved in certifying teacher candidates in mathematics or related fields.

The Professional Development Scholarship, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, supports educators in enhancing their expertise in history, number theory, or discrete mathematics. This scholarship aids in completing coursework, developing classroom activities, and delivering professional presentations. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years of teaching experience and currently teach mathematics at the 6-12 grade levels. Projects must be completed by August 31 of the following year.

The Prospective PK-6 Elementary Teacher Course Work Scholarship, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, provides financial support to college students aiming to become certified elementary teachers focused on mathematics. Eligible candidates must complete their sophomore year, maintain a GPA of at least 3.0, and demonstrate a commitment to teaching. This scholarship promotes high-quality mathematics education, ensuring future educators are well-prepared to inspire students in their learning journey.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Special Education, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for U.S. students pursuing degrees in Special Education. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to continue their studies into the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship supports students with various disabilities, ensuring that education is accessible and equitable for all.

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.