Best Professional Development Grants for Teachers in Tennessee

Nonprofit organizations in Middle Tennessee working on teacher development, literacy, or college and career readiness can apply for Scarlett Family Foundation’s education grants. Eligible applicants must align with the foundation’s key initiatives, operate locally, show at least two years of financial and program results, and propose clear, measurable outcomes supporting students and educators.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) arts or education nonprofits, schools, libraries, colleges, and local government agencies can apply for Tennessee Arts Commission’s Arts Education Project Support grants, awarding US $12,000 - US $25,000 for single, high-quality, hands-on arts education projects. Eligible uses include community-based arts learning, out-of-school youth programs, and professional development for arts educators and teaching artists.

The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education grant program aims to enhance access to high-quality early education for low-income children. Funding up to $1.5 million is available for innovative proposals that improve professional development for early educators. Key priorities include scalable coaching models, leadership development for under-resourced communities, and community-wide substitute teacher pools. This initiative is designed to tackle significant gaps identified in early childhood education and support effective learning environments.

Geoscience educators and professionals who are active members of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers can be nominated for this distinguished service recognition, honoring long-term contributions to the association. While selected nationally, Tennessee teacher leaders engaged in geoscience education and professional service may be strong candidates for the Robert Christman Distinguished Service Award.

Teacher-serving organizations and geoscience educators in Tennessee can seek sponsorship to support professional development programs and single events in Earth science education. Focused on geoscience teaching, the National Association of Geoscience Teachers offers endorsement and promotional support for long-term programs or short-term activities that align with its mission and ethics policies.

Geoscience educators engaged in Earth science teaching and professional development, including those in Tennessee, can be recognized for outstanding peer-review service through this award. National Association of Geoscience Teachers honors Journal of Geoscience Education reviewers with US $500 for exceptional, timely, and frequent reviews, based on nominations from JGE authors or Editorial Board members.

Geoscience educators and researchers, including those in Tennessee, can receive US $500 for outstanding scholarly articles that advance geoscience education. National Association of Geoscience Teachers recognizes Journal of Geoscience Education papers that demonstrate innovative, well-assessed teaching, strengthen the discipline, and show significant societal impact; nominations may come from readers, authors, or editorial board members.

Geoscience educators in Tennessee who excel at stimulating interest in Earth sciences can be nominated for this annual recognition award, honoring outstanding teaching and inspiration. Nominations to the National Association of Geoscience Teachers require a nomination letter, up to four support letters, and the nominee’s curriculum vitae from NAGT members.

Geoscience departments and instructors in Tennessee can nominate undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants for recognition of outstanding teaching work in Earth science education. The National Association of Geoscience Teachers honors up to 30 TAs annually with awards that include a one-year NAGT membership and access to geoscience education publications, supporting ongoing teacher development and training.

K-12 teachers and educators in Tennessee who teach significant earth science content can receive recognition and professional development support through the Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award, offered nationally by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. This program honors exceptional earth science teaching and may benefit educators seeking professional growth opportunities.

Tennessee geoscience educators and NAGT members advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in Earth science education may be eligible for recognition through the Excellence in JEDI Award. National Association of Geoscience Teachers honors individuals for impactful JEDI activities, mentorship, leadership, and scholarship, including a complimentary one-year membership and an opportunity to present their work.

Earth science educators and writers producing materials for teachers or the general public can be nominated for this national recognition, which may benefit Tennessee teachers seeking professional development credentials. With a mission to promote excellence in geoscience education, National Association of Geoscience Teachers honors exceptional Earth science writing and editing through its annual James H. Shea Award.

Middle and high school teachers seeking professional development in Tennessee can receive half-tuition support for one Harvard Extension School course per fall and spring term. With a mission to expand access to rigorous education, President and Fellows of Harvard College provide these Lowell Scholarships for undergraduate or graduate credit coursework focused on teacher development and training.

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

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. 

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.

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 Biomedical Science grant aims to enhance the existing program by funding the addition of new courses or extra class periods, along with teacher training for the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible applicants include public and charter schools in specific Tennessee counties. Grantees must adhere to reporting requirements and participate in surveys to ensure continual program improvement and stakeholder communication.

West Tennessee Education Grants, offered by the Leaders Education Foundation, support educators in enhancing student learning through innovative projects. These grants cater to K-12 initiatives, including teacher appreciation and professional development. Educators from various schools and colleges in West Tennessee can apply for funding to implement new educational experiences, from STEM initiatives to virtual learning. This program empowers educators to inspire students and foster creativity in the classroom.

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.