Best Professional Development Grants for Teachers in Maine

MEA/NEA member educators in Maine can receive $1,000 for outstanding teaching and professional advocacy, with additional national recognition opportunities. With a mission to support educators, Maine Education Association honors excellence in instructional practice, leadership, diversity, community engagement, and professional development, which may appeal to teachers seeking professional growth recognition and support.

Teachers and local education associations in Maine seeking funds for professional development and instructional leadership can apply for Maine Education Association’s Instruction and Professional Development Grants, offering up to US $1,000. Grants support speakers, materials, space rental, or equipment for projects that enhance public education, promote equity, and strengthen member engagement in schools and communities.

Teacher development and training professionals in Maine working in earth science education can be honored for long-term service through the Robert Christman Distinguished Service Award. The National Association of Geoscience Teachers recognizes individuals who have provided distinguished service to the Association, with recipients chosen by its Executive Committee from member nominations.

Organizations, groups, and individuals offering geoscience education or teacher training in Maine can seek sponsorship support for programs or single events; funding is available nationwide, including Maine. National Association of Geoscience Teachers sponsorships back long-term initiatives or short-term activities that align with its mission, ethics policy, and code of conduct and acknowledge NAGT in materials.

Geoscience educators involved with the Journal of Geoscience Education’s peer-review process can receive US $500 awards recognizing exceptional, timely, and frequent reviews. Grants from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers help Maine teacher development and training professionals, including JGE authors and Editorial Board members, honor colleagues who significantly strengthen geoscience education scholarship.

With a mission to promote geoscience education, National Association of Geoscience Teachers provides Maine teacher development and training professionals with the JGE Outstanding Paper Award. Eligible JGE readers, authors, and Editorial Board members can nominate scholarly articles that advance geoscience education; selected authors receive US $500 in recognition of their work.

Maine geoscience educators focused on stimulating interest in Earth sciences can access recognition and support through the Neil Miner Award. Maine teacher development and training professionals may be nominated by National Association of Geoscience Teachers members for exceptional contributions to Earth science education, with nominations including tailored letters of support and a curriculum vitae.

Geoscience departments and instructors can nominate outstanding undergraduate or graduate teaching assistants for recognition from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, including those in Maine. Focused on teacher development and training, NAGT invites nominations to honor responsible teaching work and provides awardees with a one-year membership and professional education resources.

K–12 teachers and educators in Maine who teach significant earth science content can receive recognition and support for outstanding classroom work through the Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award. Grants from National Association of Geoscience Teachers help pre-college earth science educators with professional recognition and career development; eight national finalists are chosen, with additional state or provincial honorees possible.

Maine teacher development and training professionals in geoscience education who advance justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion may be eligible for this recognition award. Maine educators can access funding through National Association of Geoscience Teachers, which honors individuals for impactful JEDI activities, mentorship, leadership, and scholarship, including a complimentary membership and opportunities to share their work.

Individuals who have produced exceptional Earth science writing or editing for the public or Earth science teachers can be nominated for this national award, including those in Maine. The National Association of Geoscience Teachers’ James H. Shea Award honors outstanding contributions that advance engaging, high-quality Earth science education materials; NAGT members submit nomination letters.

Full-time MSAD 52 teachers in Maine with at least five years of tenure can receive the Patience W. Norman Prize to support their professional growth and classroom excellence; awards US $5,000 for discretionary use. Grants from Maine Community Foundation honor educators who inspire academic success, critical thinking, and leadership in their students.

Middle and high school teachers in Maine seeking professional development can use Lowell Teachers Scholarships to take Harvard Extension School courses at half the regular tuition rate during fall and spring terms. With a mission to expand access to rigorous education, President and Fellows of Harvard College offers this support for undergraduate or graduate-credit coursework.

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 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.

Education / Meritorious / Service Awards

The Educational/Meritorious/Service awards recognize individuals who have made notable contributions to the welding industry. From educators who have advanced welding knowledge to those who've exhibited outstanding service, these awards celebrate dedication, expertise, and the advancement of welding as both an art and a science.

Howard E. Adkins Memorial Instructor Membership Award

The Howard E. Adkins Instructor Membership Award is sponsored by Mrs. Wilma Adkins and family, and is given as a means of recognizing high school, trade school, technical institute or community college instructors whose teaching activities are considered to have advanced the knowledge of welding to students in their respective schools.

This award is recognized at the National, District and Section levels. The nominee is selected at least 12 months in advance of FABTECH. Selections are made during the annual District Conference meetings for all three levels. District and Section level recognitions are automatic but National level nominee information is submitted to the AWS Education Committee for final selection.

The Two-Year College Biology Teaching Award, sponsored by the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT), recognizes outstanding biology educators in two-year colleges who implement innovative teaching techniques. This award highlights the importance of culturally responsive pedagogies that foster equity and inclusion in various learning environments. Recipients receive a $500 travel honorarium, a recognition plaque, and one year of complimentary NABT membership, supporting their professional development and commitment to enhancing biology education.

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.

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!

The Helen M. Heitmann Young Scholar Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors young professionals who have made significant contributions to research in curriculum and instruction within health and physical education. Eligible candidates must be current SHAPE America members and have 3 to 6 years of experience post-doctorate. This award emphasizes active involvement and scholarship in the field, encouraging innovative research that enhances educational practices for preK-12 students.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.