Best Professional Development Grants for Teachers in New Jersey

New Jersey school districts operating at least one schoolwide Title I school can access funding to train teachers for Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses. New Jersey teacher development and training programs can access funding through New Jersey Department of Education, with US $50,000 - US $75,000 available for educator professional development to expand AP/IB offerings for disadvantaged and high-need students.

Secondary school theatre educators in New Jersey can seek funding for professional development, including conferences, workshops, travel, supplies, software, and instructional equipment, with awards up to Up to US $500. With a mission to connect performing arts design and technology communities, United Institute for Theatre Technology provides these BACKstage+ grants to support ongoing training for theatre teachers.

Geoscience educators contributing to professional communities in New Jersey and beyond can be honored for long-term service through the Robert Christman Distinguished Service Award. The National Association of Geoscience Teachers recognizes distinguished service at the national or section level; active NAGT members submit nomination letters detailing an individual’s contributions.

Teacher development and geoscience education programs in New Jersey can access sponsorship support through the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, which provides backing for both long-term programs and single events. Eligible activities are led by organizations, groups, or individuals whose work aligns with NAGT’s mission and adheres to its ethics policy and code of conduct.

Geoscience educators involved with the Journal of Geoscience Education who contribute outstanding peer reviews can receive US $500 in recognition, including those in New Jersey. Grants from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers help support professional growth by honoring reviewers for exceptional quality, timeliness, and volume of reviews completed in the past year.

Geoscience educators and scholars with outstanding papers on Earth science teaching and teacher development can receive recognition and US $500 awards, including those based in New Jersey. With a mission to promote excellence in geoscience education, National Association of Geoscience Teachers honors Journal of Geoscience Education articles that advance learning and have broad societal impact.

New Jersey geoscience educators focused on Earth science teaching and professional growth can access recognition through the Neil Miner Award, honoring exceptional stimulation of interest in the Earth sciences. Nominated individuals are evaluated by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers based on letters of support and a curriculum vitae highlighting outstanding teaching contributions.

Geoscience teaching assistants seeking recognition for their instructional work, including those supporting teacher development and training in New Jersey, may be eligible for these awards. Focused on excellence in Earth science education, the National Association of Geoscience Teachers invites instructors to nominate outstanding undergraduate or graduate TAs for one of up to 30 annual honors.

Grants from National Association of Geoscience Teachers help New Jersey teacher development and training by honoring K–12 educators who deliver significant earth science content. Individual teachers or colleagues may submit applications or nominations. Eight national finalists are chosen from NAGT regions, and some sections also recognize additional state or province-level winners.

New Jersey geoscience educators engaged in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work can be nominated for recognition through the Excellence in JEDI Award. New Jersey teacher development and training professionals can access funding through National Association of Geoscience Teachers, which honors individuals advancing JEDI in geoscience education through programs, mentorship, communications, or scholarship, with nominations accepted via online form.

Individuals who write or edit Earth science materials of interest to teachers or the general public, including those in New Jersey, can be nominated for the James H. Shea Award from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. NAGT members, including self-nominees, submit a detailed nomination letter highlighting exceptional Earth science writing or editing contributions.

Middle and high school teachers in New Jersey seeking professional development can receive half-tuition scholarships for one Harvard Extension School course per fall and spring term. With a mission to expand access to rigorous continuing education, President And Fellows Of Harvard College provides these Lowell Scholarships for undergraduate or graduate credit coursework.

Graduate teaching assistants seeking professional development funding in New Jersey and beyond can receive semester scholarships up to US $1,000 for their teaching roles. Montana State University provides higher education teacher development support for GTAs with at least 10 GTA hours, active classroom, lab, or field teaching, and completed teaching-related professional development.

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.

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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.

K–12 and higher education professionals in health, physical education, physical activity, dance, or sport who are long-term SHAPE America members can be honored through this national Hall of Fame Award. Eligible New Jersey educators advancing high-quality, equitable programs and demonstrating leadership, service, and humanitarian impact in these fields may be nominated.

With a mission to support teacher development and global journalism, Pulitzer Center provides New Jersey classroom teachers with a paid, virtual Fall Teacher Fellowship focused on health inequities reporting. Eligible U.S. educators in grades 4–12, including those in detention facilities, receive US $500 and structured professional learning to create civic engagement lessons.

K–12 teachers and music educators can receive US $500 to cover travel and attendance at the Teaching Music History Conference, supporting professional development in American music. Grants from American Musicological Society help New Jersey and other U.S. educators deepen music history pedagogy and participate in a structured learning and networking cohort.

The Faculty Travel Grant for AGU Annual Meeting supports early-to-mid career faculty from under-resourced institutions, including community colleges and minority-serving institutions. This program aims to facilitate attendance at the AGU Annual Meeting, which attracts over 22,000 geoscience professionals globally. Awardees receive a $1,700 travel stipend, access to professional development workshops, and networking opportunities, enabling them to enhance their research and teaching capabilities through collaboration and innovation.

K–12 health and physical education researchers in New Jersey who are SHAPE America members can be recognized for outstanding scholarship in curriculum and instruction through this honor award. Focused on teacher development and training, the Society of Health and Physical Educators highlights exceptional contributions that advance health and PE curriculum and instruction nationwide.

New Jersey health and physical education professionals who are minority SHAPE America members with at least ten years in HPERD settings may be eligible for the national E.B. Henderson Award honoring scholarship, mentorship, and service. This Society of Health and Physical Educators recognition supports leaders advancing ethnic minority and underserved involvement in their field.

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.

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.