Best Professional Development Grants for Teachers in Vermont

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations, public agencies, schools, and fiscally sponsored groups can seek funding for teacher development, workforce preparation, and postsecondary access initiatives. J. Warren and Lois McClure Foundation offers more than US $10,000 for systems development or systemic change, with priorities including educator workforce development and expanding affordable education and training pathways.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Good Teachers Count Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) 

Founded in 1967, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) is a national community of academic leaders committed to developing an accomplished family medicine workforce, prepared to serve as the foundation of America’s health care system. Our members include physicians, PAs, nurse practitioners, behavioral health specialists, researchers, pharmacists, nurses and other health care professionals, health system executives, administrators, coordinators, fellows, residents, students, and others involved in the education of family physicians. 

STFM Excellence in Education Award

Designed to honor outstanding teachers, the STFM Excellence in Education Award recognizes an STFM member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching, curriculum development, mentoring, research, or leadership in education at regional or national levels. Nominees must have sustained involvement in family medicine education.

The selection is made by the STFM Nominations Committee and approved by the STFM Board of Directors. Nominations are ranked based on the:

• Contributions recognized at the home institution
• Regional/national impact of nominee's activities
• Sustained involvement in family medicine education

Nominees must be STFM members. Members of the Nominations Committee are not eligible to receive the award while serving on the 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. 

Native American and Alaska Native higher-education students pursuing STEM-related teacher training in Vermont can receive funding for approved internships. Native Forward Scholars Fund, in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Education, covers roundtrip travel, housing, and daily commuting costs for internships with Department of Interior agencies or other approved STEM placements that support education careers.

Teachers and STEM-focused educators in Vermont can seek professional development funding for training, conferences, continuing education, and certifications that support Native students. Native Forward Scholars Fund, partnering with BIE, assists eligible American Indian and Alaska Native educators and TCU students with registration, travel, and related costs at qualifying schools and postsecondary institutions nationwide.

Graduate teaching assistants engaged in classroom, lab, or field-work instruction can receive semester-based professional development scholarships through Montana State University, with awards up to US $1,000. Focused on teacher development and training, this program supports higher education instructors, which may benefit Vermont educators pursuing or holding graduate teaching roles at MSU.

Middle and high school teachers in Vermont seeking professional development can receive half-tuition support for one Harvard Extension School course per fall and spring term through Lowell Teachers Scholarships. With a mission to expand access to rigorous continuing education, President and Fellows of Harvard College provide this opportunity for teachers pursuing undergraduate or graduate credit.

Focused on teacher development and training, the National Association of Geoscience Teachers invites Vermont Earth science educators and writers to be nominated for the James H. Shea Award recognizing exceptional Earth science writing or editing. NAGT members, including self-nominees, can submit detailed nomination letters highlighting outstanding contributions for teachers or the general public.

Vermont geoscience educators engaged in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work can access recognition through the Excellence in JEDI Award, honoring significant contributions to inclusive Earth education. The National Association of Geoscience Teachers provides a complimentary one-year membership and an opportunity to present JEDI-focused work to its community; NAGT members may nominate themselves or colleagues.

K–12 teachers and educators in Vermont who teach substantial earth science content can receive recognition and professional support through the Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award. National Association of Geoscience Teachers honors exceptional pre-college earth science teaching, highlighting excellence and encouraging higher levels of performance in geoscience education across the U.S.

Undergraduate and graduate geoscience teaching assistants responsible for instruction, including those with titles like instructional or supplemental assistant, may be nominated for recognition through the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. Grants from National Association of Geoscience Teachers help Vermont teacher development and training by honoring up to 30 outstanding TAs annually with a one-year NAGT membership and publications access.

Geoscience educators promoting Earth science teaching, including those in Vermont, can receive recognition and support through the Neil Miner Award for exceptional contributions to stimulating interest in the Earth sciences. The National Association of Geoscience Teachers honors individuals annually, offering professional acknowledgment that can advance careers and complement teacher development and training efforts.

National Association of Geoscience Teachers provides Vermont teacher development and training programs with the JGE Outstanding Paper Award, recognizing exceptional scholarly work in geoscience education. Papers that enhance student learning, advance geoscience education, or demonstrate broad societal impact may be nominated by Journal of Geoscience Education readers, authors, or Editorial Board members for US $500 awards.

Geoscience educators and researchers who review for the Journal of Geoscience Education can receive a US $500 award recognizing exceptional peer-review service. This National Association of Geoscience Teachers program honors high-quality, timely, and frequent reviews, and may benefit Vermont teachers engaged in professional development through scholarly publishing and review work.

Vermont geoscience educators and organizations offering teacher development or training can access sponsorship for Earth education programs or single events through the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. Support may include endorsement and promotion of long-term programs or short-term activities that align with NAGT’s mission and ethics, benefiting professional development efforts for teachers.

Geoscience educators contributing long-term service to the National Association of Geoscience Teachers can be honored through the Robert Christman Distinguished Service Award. With a mission to promote excellence in geoscience education, NAGT recognizes members across the U.S.; Vermont teachers active in NAGT leadership or service may be nominated by any active member.

Vermont secondary school theatre educators seeking professional development support can access funding for training, travel, and classroom equipment. Vermont teacher development and training can access funding through United Institute for Theatre Technology for conference or workshop registrations, facilitator stipends, software licenses, and supplies, with activities to be completed within one year of receiving the grant.

Teachers and education professionals in Vermont focused on health, physical education, and related fields can receive national recognition and professional validation through the SHAPE America Hall of Fame Award. Society of Health and Physical Educators honors long-term members with significant, nationally impactful contributions to school-based health, physical activity, sport, or dance within educational programs.

Classroom teachers in grades 4–12 and educators in detention facilities can receive US $500 in paid, virtual professional development focused on global health reporting and inequities. Grants from Pulitzer Center help Vermont and other U.S. educators analyze underreported stories, design rigorous civic engagement lessons, and earn a digital badge plus 30 professional learning units.

Vermont K–12 and music educators, as well as students preparing for these careers, can access funding through American Musicological Society to attend the Teaching Music History Conference. U.S. legal residents receive US $500 plus complimentary registration to support travel and participation in programming on American music, historical pedagogy, and children’s music.

Vermont pre-K–12 teachers engaged in classroom literacy research can access funding through the International Literacy Association’s Nila Banton Smith Teacher as Researcher Grant. This biennial US $2,000 award supports educators who connect literacy theory and current research to instructional practice; applicants must be ILA members in good standing through June 30, 2026.

Individual SHAPE America members conducting research in health or physical education curriculum and instruction can be nominated for the Curriculum and Instruction Honor Award, recognizing outstanding scholarly contributions across the U.S., including Vermont. This professional recognition may benefit K–12 teachers seeking to advance their careers and professional development in these fields.

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.

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 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 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.