Best Professional Development Grants for Teachers in Massachusetts

The Jason Hayes Foundation Grants aim to support children and young adults aged 5-18 who have faced early childhood trauma, including abuse and homelessness. The foundation focuses on partnering with organizations that provide direct services to this vulnerable population, particularly those in or aging out of the foster care system. They encourage grant applications year-round, especially between October 1 and December 16, to ensure timely funding for impactful projects.

FY27 Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program: Targeted Implementation Grant

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is offering a targeted grant to continue implementation support for a cohort of districts in Year 2 of Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program implementation. Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs (RTAPs) in Massachusetts are innovative pathways into teaching designed to build a diverse and effective teaching workforce that reflects the rich cultural backgrounds of our students. At the heart of RTAP is a commitment to providing equitable opportunities for aspiring educators, particularly those from underrepresented communities, to enter the teaching profession for little to no cost.

RTAP offers a new pathway to earning an Initial license in Massachusetts. RTAP integrates on-the-job training with academic coursework, allowing participants to earn while they learn. This hands-on approach ensures that apprentices gain practical classroom experience under the supervision of experienced educators while simultaneously completing the requirements for Initial licensure.

Funding:

Approximately $1,750,000 is available for this grant.

Funding is contingent upon availability. All dollar amounts listed are estimated/approximate and are subject to change. If more funding becomes available, it will be distributed under the same guidelines that appear in this RFP document.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is offering a competitive planning grant for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to establish Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs (RTAPs). This initiative aims to create a diverse educator workforce by providing equitable access to teaching through low-cost, job-embedded training. The grant supports workforce assessments, program designs, and partnerships, focusing on enhancing teacher diversity and preparation quality, ultimately contributing to long-term workforce stability in Massachusetts education.

Purpose

The purpose of this competitive grant program is to support teaching and learning related to the history of genocide. As stated in Chapter 98 of the Acts of 2021 , "Every school district shall, for the purpose of educating middle and high school students, provide instruction on the history of genocide consistent with the content standards articulated in the history and social science curriculum framework."

This grant supports LEAs to develop and/or select curriculum materials, implement professional development, and design other enriching learning experiences intended to further secondary students' understanding of the history and patterns of genocide. LEAs may propose to collaborate with vendors to support this work.

This grant is structured as a two-year program. LEAs awarded funding in FY27 (Year 1) may apply only for continuation funding in FY28 (Year 2) to support the next phase of their projects, contingent upon available funds and satisfactory progress. Continuation funding is not guaranteed. FY27 awardees will not be eligible to apply under a new FY28 competitive RFP. However, contingent upon available funds, a new cohort of LEAs may be selected through the FY28 competitive RFP process.

For more details about the genocide education in Massachusetts, please visit Genocide Education Resources and Guidance.

Priorities

DESE seeks to fund genocide education initiatives that exemplify:

Grant-funded projects should increase all students' access to high-quality genocide education experiences and work to address historical inequities where they exist. In addition, projects should provide students with culturally and linguistically sustaining learning experiences that value and affirm their identities and linguistic resources, center student and community agency, and develop students' critical perspectives. Supports for multilingual learners should be developed in alignment with the 2020 WIDA English Language Development Framework.

Grant-funded projects should take steps toward long-term enhancements to genocide education, including, but not limited to, the development of supportive instructional leadership structures. Investments such as professional development for educators or acquisition of needed instructional materials can provide benefits long past the period of this grant, as opposed to "one-off" activities.Grant-funded projects should include opportunities to work in partnership with relevant organizations and/or engage local community members. Examples include (but are not limited to): partnering with organizations with expertise in genocide education, partnering with local community-based organizations, soliciting input from relevant community stakeholders, and designing learning opportunities at local sites.Competitive priority in the scoring process will also be given to:

• Districts and schools in the strategic transformation region.
• LEAs that have not previously been awarded a Genocide Education Grant
• LEAs with a student population in which greater than 40% are designated as low-income.
• Grant-funded projects that enhance the antibias impact of their work by strengthening students' sense of safety and belonging in school. This may include learning about the relationship and differences between bullying, hate, prejudice, bias, and factors that can potentially lead to or disrupt violence and genocide, and/or applying these concepts to modern-day contexts and examples relevant to the school community. These efforts may also include work grounded in an analysis of available data [such as from the Views of Climate and Learning (VOCAL) and Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)].

Funding

Approximately $1,200,000 is available through this grant. Total amount of awards will be determined based on quality of proposals received.

Funding is contingent upon availability. All dollar amounts listed are estimated/approximate and are subject to change. If more funding becomes available, it will be distributed under the same guidelines that appear in this RFP document.

Maximum award is determined by the total student enrollment of the applying LEA or group of LEAs if applying as a partnership. The maximum award represents what an LEA may receive over a two-year period.

• Size Tier 1: LEAs or LEA groups enrolling up to 1,000 students (total)
  • May apply for up to $40,000
• Size Tier 2: LEAs or LEA groups enrolling 1,001 – 6,000 students (total)
  • May apply for up to $80,000
• Size Tier 3: LEAs or LEA groups enrolling 6,001 – 10,000 students (total)
  • May apply for up to $120,000
• Size Tier 4: LEAs or LEA groups enrolling 10,001 or more students (total)
  • May apply for up to $160,000

Fund Use

The total funding amount listed in this RFP represents the maximum cumulative award an LEA may receive across both FY27 and FY28. This means the amount is not per year, but rather the combined ceiling for the entire two-year period. Year 2 funding is not guaranteed and is dependent on annual funding appropriation and continuation grant application approval. Applicants may request any portion of the maximum funding amount for Year 1. While applicants are encouraged to plan a two-year project, LEAs may propose a one-year project if it better aligns with their needs and capacity. Please see the Fund Use Details attachment for additional information including allowable fund use.

The Early College Planning Grant aims to provide essential planning resources for applicants seeking Massachusetts Early College Designation. This grant prioritizes underrepresented students and supports partnerships between K-12 schools and higher education institutions. Eligible programs can apply for funding to develop infrastructure that fosters college access and success, with funding totals reaching approximately $1,105,000 for the fiscal year. Key deadlines for submissions are set for October 2025 and November 2025.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is launching the FY2027 Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program to support Local Educational Agencies in developing diverse pathways to teacher licensure. This initiative emphasizes equitable access for underrepresented communities through paid training and mentorship. The program aims to strengthen workforce stability while addressing critical staffing needs in special education, ESL, and STEM. Districts will receive planning grants to enhance educator preparation and community engagement, ensuring a high-quality and inclusive education system.

The Clowes Fund focuses on supporting socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals in New England, particularly in Massachusetts. It offers grants for immigrant services, workforce development, arts education, and K-12 education, with specific priorities for communities with high immigrant populations. Applications are open to first-time grantees and returning organizations, with a strong emphasis on transparency and accessibility in the funding process.

Title III of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides supplemental resources to local school districts to help ensure that English learners (ELs) and immigrant children and youth attain English proficiency and develop high levels of academic achievement in English, assist teachers and administrators to enhance their capacity to provide effective instructional programs designed to prepare ELs and immigrant children and youth to enter all-English instructional settings, and promote parental, family, and community participation in language instruction programs for parents, families, and communities.Strategic Objectives: 

DESE partners with districts, schools, and programs to:

• Strategic Objective 1 — "Whole Student" : Cultivate systems to support the whole student and foster joyful, healthy, and supportive learning environments so that all students feel valued, connected, nourished, and ready to learn. 
• Strategic Objective 2 — "Deeper Learning" : Promote deeper learning so that all students engage in grade-level work that is real-world, relevant, and interactive. 
• Strategic Objective 3 — "Diverse and Effective Workforce" : Develop and sustain a workforce that is diverse, culturally responsive, well-prepared, and committed to continuous improvement, so that all students have equitable access to effective educators. 

Priorities: 

• Increase the English language proficiency of ELs by providing effective language instruction programs that meet the needs of ELs and increase student academic achievement
• Provide effective professional development designed to improve the instruction and assessment of ELs, to enhance the ability of teachers and school leaders to understand and implement curricula and assessment practices and measures, and to increase children's English language proficiency or substantially increase the subject matter knowledge, teaching knowledge, and teaching skills of teachers
• Provide and implement other effective activities and strategies that enhance or supplement language instruction programs for ELs which shall include parent, family, and community engagement activities

Title II, Part A of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides supplemental resources to school districts to improve high quality systems of support for excellent teaching and leading.Strategic Objectives: 

DESE partners with districts, schools, and programs to:

• Strategic Objective 1 — "Whole Student" : Cultivate systems to support the whole student and foster joyful, healthy, and supportive learning environments so that all students feel valued, connected, nourished, and ready to learn. 
• Strategic Objective 2 — "Deeper Learning" : Promote deeper learning so that all students engage in grade-level work that is real-world, relevant, and interactive. 
• Strategic Objective 3 — "Diverse and Effective Workforce" : Develop and sustain a workforce that is diverse, culturally responsive, well-prepared, and committed to continuous improvement, so that all students have equitable access to effective educators. 

• Increase student achievement consistent with challenging State academic standards;
• Improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other school leaders;
• Increase the number of teachers, principals, and other school leaders who are effective in improving student academic achievement in schools; and
• Provide low-income and minority students equitable access to effective teachers, principals, and other school leaders.

The Adams Cheshire Educational Partnership (ACE) Grant aims to enhance educational experiences for students and teachers in the Adams-Cheshire Regional School District. This grant supports projects that promote excellence in education, prioritizing volunteer-driven proposals. Eligible applicants include students, teachers, and community members, while projects may range from independent studies to professional development. Importantly, ACE does not fund salaries or replace public school funding, ensuring that resources are directed towards enriching educational initiatives.

The Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), honor exemplary teaching assistants in geoscience education. With up to 30 awards given annually, both undergraduate and graduate TAs are eligible. Winners receive a one-year NAGT membership, including a subscription to the Journal of Geoscience Education. This award aims to recognize the contributions of TAs in enhancing Earth education, regardless of their formal titles.

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.

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 Pittsfield Education Enrichment Fund aims to enhance the educational experience of students and teachers in the Pittsfield School District. With grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, it supports non-arts and arts integration projects, respectively. Eligible recipients include students, teachers, and community members, fostering initiatives like independent studies and extra-curricular activities. This fund prioritizes proposals that leverage volunteer efforts and additional support, ensuring that educational excellence is maintained across the district.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Joseph and Marla Dernay Future Teacher 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.

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.

Scott Campion Scholarship for Special Education Teacher

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.

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.