Best Professional Development Grants for Teachers in Georgia

Georgia 501(c)(3) organizations offering teacher development and training can access funding through Georgia Power Foundation to strengthen professional learning and related education initiatives. Grants up to US $25,000 support programs that improve quality of life for Georgia residents, so education nonprofits and school-support organizations focused on staff development may be eligible.

Georgia K-12 public school districts, charter schools, LEA consortia, and LEA–professional learning partnerships can apply for up to US $15,000 to fund computer science teacher certification, endorsements, and professional development. Georgia Department of Education prioritizes applicants with CS implementation plans and those serving federally identified, high-poverty, or rural schools.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Georgia, Alabama, or Florida running education programs for children and young adults can seek project support to improve learning outcomes and student self-esteem. Malone Family Foundation favors innovative, high-impact, well-managed initiatives with clear goals, realistic budgets, and trackable results, including professional development and training for teachers.

Paraprofessionals in Georgia pursuing teacher certification through the GaTAPP program can receive up to US $5,000 in reimbursement support. With a mission to strengthen the educator pipeline, Georgia Department of Education provides funding to help local educational agencies and GNETS programs develop certified teachers through this Paraprofessional to Teacher Reimbursement Grant, Round 4.

Georgia public schools and classroom teachers seeking support for innovative projects to improve student learning can access funding through the Georgia Department of Education’s Georgia Foundation for Public Education. Grants of US $500 - US $2,500 help bring creative ideas to life, with applications accepted on a rolling basis and awards announced quarterly.

Georgia 501(c)(3) colleges, universities, and other higher education institutions with paid full-time staff and budgets over $500,000 can seek one-time project funding to expand access and innovation in higher education. The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation generally prioritizes organizations located and operating in metro Atlanta, with occasional support for significant initiatives elsewhere in the state.

Georgia school districts (LEAs) already receiving Perkins V funding can use the Perkins V Plus Reserve Grant to supplement career and technical education resources in Georgia, including teacher development and training. Administered by the Georgia Department of Education, awards up to US $25,000 support rural areas, high-CTE-enrollment schools, and programs addressing performance gaps.

Georgia school districts and LEAs supporting teacher professional development in computer science education in Georgia can apply for funding to join professional organizations, attend CS-focused conferences, and purchase physical computing devices with training. The Georgia Department of Education offers up to US $10,000 per district from a total pool of US $200,000 for FY25.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Welding Educator Professional Development Scholarships

AWS Foundation Welding Educator Professional Development Scholarships provide funding for welding educators to advance their skills and impact in teaching. Aimed at current educators in welding-related fields, these scholarships demonstrate AWS's dedication to enriching welding education.

National Educator Scholarships

Five donor-funded scholarships worth $1,000 to $5,000

• Bechtel Group Foundation Educator Scholarship
• Earl C. Lipphardt Educator Scholarship
• Jackson Safety Educator Scholarship
• Tim Turner Educator Scholarship
• William Kielhorn Educator Scholarship

Funds are paid directly to the educational institution or organization providing the training.

The AWS Educator Professional Development Scholarships are awarded annually in May or June.

Georgia geoscience educators engaged in teacher development and training may be eligible for recognition through the Robert Christman Distinguished Service Award, honoring long, distinguished service to the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. NAGT members can nominate individuals whose sustained contributions support Earth science education and the broader geoscience teaching community.

Georgia geoscience educators and organizations offering Earth science professional development can seek sponsorship for programs or single events that advance geoscience education. The National Association of Geoscience Teachers provides U.S. teacher development and training initiatives with promotional support and formal endorsement when activities align with its mission, goals, and ethics policy.

Geoscience educators and researchers who review for the Journal of Geoscience Education can receive recognition and US $500 awards for outstanding peer-review service. Grants from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers help support Earth science and teacher development efforts, and Georgia teachers active as JGE reviewers may be nominated based on review quality and quantity.

Geoscience educators publishing in the Journal of Geoscience Education can receive recognition and US $500 for outstanding scholarship that advances geoscience teaching and student learning. With a mission to promote excellence in Earth education, National Association of Geoscience Teachers provides Georgia teacher development and training professionals with an award for innovative, high-impact papers, nominated by readers, authors, or Editorial Board members.

Georgia geoscience educators focused on teacher development and training can access recognition and support through the Neil Miner Award, honoring exceptional efforts to stimulate interest in Earth science. NAGT members nominate outstanding teachers by submitting a nomination letter, up to four tailored support letters, and the nominee’s curriculum vitae.

Focused on geoscience education, the National Association of Geoscience Teachers invites Georgia instructors to nominate outstanding undergraduate or graduate teaching assistants for national recognition. Awards honor TAs’ instructional contributions and provide a one-year NAGT membership with access to the Journal of Geoscience Education and In The Trenches, supporting ongoing professional development for teaching-focused students.

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.

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 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 Willson Center Special Funding Request provides limited financial support for University of Georgia faculty, allowing one request per academic year. The funding, capped at $500, can be used for various purposes including conference travel, event funding, and book subventions. This initiative aims to enhance academic contributions by supporting essential activities outside the standard grant programs, emphasizing the importance of faculty research and engagement.

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 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.

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 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.