Best Professional Development Grants for Teachers in Georgia

Georgia school districts and LEAs supporting teacher professional development in computer science education in Georgia can apply for funding to join professional organizations, attend CS-focused conferences, and purchase physical computing devices with training. The Georgia Department of Education offers up to US $10,000 per district from a total pool of US $200,000 for FY25.

Georgia 501(c)(3) organizations offering teacher development and training can access funding through Georgia Power Foundation to strengthen professional learning and related education initiatives. Grants up to US $25,000 support programs that improve quality of life for Georgia residents, so education nonprofits and school-support organizations focused on staff development may be eligible.

Georgia K-12 public school districts, charter schools, LEA consortia, and LEA–professional learning partnerships can apply for up to US $15,000 to fund computer science teacher certification, endorsements, and professional development. Georgia Department of Education prioritizes applicants with CS implementation plans and those serving federally identified, high-poverty, or rural schools.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Georgia, Alabama, or Florida running education programs for children and young adults can seek project support to improve learning outcomes and student self-esteem. Malone Family Foundation favors innovative, high-impact, well-managed initiatives with clear goals, realistic budgets, and trackable results, including professional development and training for teachers.

Paraprofessionals in Georgia pursuing teacher certification through the GaTAPP program can receive up to US $5,000 in reimbursement support. With a mission to strengthen the educator pipeline, Georgia Department of Education provides funding to help local educational agencies and GNETS programs develop certified teachers through this Paraprofessional to Teacher Reimbursement Grant, Round 4.

Georgia school districts (LEAs) already receiving Perkins V funding can use the Perkins V Plus Reserve Grant to supplement career and technical education resources in Georgia, including teacher development and training. Administered by the Georgia Department of Education, awards up to US $25,000 support rural areas, high-CTE-enrollment schools, and programs addressing performance gaps.

Georgia public schools and classroom teachers seeking support for innovative projects to improve student learning can access funding through the Georgia Department of Education’s Georgia Foundation for Public Education. Grants of US $500 - US $2,500 help bring creative ideas to life, with applications accepted on a rolling basis and awards announced quarterly.

Georgia 501(c)(3) colleges, universities, and other higher education institutions with paid full-time staff and budgets over $500,000 can seek one-time project funding to expand access and innovation in higher education. The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation generally prioritizes organizations located and operating in metro Atlanta, with occasional support for significant initiatives elsewhere in the state.

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 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.

K–12 and higher education professionals in health, physical education, sport, dance, or physical activity who are long-time SHAPE America members can be nominated for this national Hall of Fame recognition; it honors exemplary careers and leadership. Georgia educators advancing equitable, high-quality physical or health education programs may be strong candidates.

Secondary school theatre educators in Georgia seeking professional development funding can apply for the BACKstage Grant, which offers up to US $500 for training and related costs. With a mission to connect performing arts design and technology communities, United States Institute for Theatre Technology supports conference fees, travel, workshops, software, and instructional equipment for theatre instruction.

Georgia geoscience educators engaged in teacher development and training may be eligible for recognition through the Robert Christman Distinguished Service Award, honoring long, distinguished service to the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. NAGT members can nominate individuals whose sustained contributions support Earth science education and the broader geoscience teaching community.

Georgia geoscience educators and organizations offering Earth science professional development can seek sponsorship for programs or single events that advance geoscience education. The National Association of Geoscience Teachers provides U.S. teacher development and training initiatives with promotional support and formal endorsement when activities align with its mission, goals, and ethics policy.

Geoscience educators and researchers who review for the Journal of Geoscience Education can receive recognition and US $500 awards for outstanding peer-review service. Grants from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers help support Earth science and teacher development efforts, and Georgia teachers active as JGE reviewers may be nominated based on review quality and quantity.

Geoscience educators publishing in the Journal of Geoscience Education can receive recognition and US $500 for outstanding scholarship that advances geoscience teaching and student learning. With a mission to promote excellence in Earth education, National Association of Geoscience Teachers provides Georgia teacher development and training professionals with an award for innovative, high-impact papers, nominated by readers, authors, or Editorial Board members.

Georgia geoscience educators focused on teacher development and training can access recognition and support through the Neil Miner Award, honoring exceptional efforts to stimulate interest in Earth science. NAGT members nominate outstanding teachers by submitting a nomination letter, up to four tailored support letters, and the nominee’s curriculum vitae.

Focused on geoscience education, the National Association of Geoscience Teachers invites Georgia instructors to nominate outstanding undergraduate or graduate teaching assistants for national recognition. Awards honor TAs’ instructional contributions and provide a one-year NAGT membership with access to the Journal of Geoscience Education and In The Trenches, supporting ongoing professional development for teaching-focused students.

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 Willson Center Special Funding Request provides limited financial support for University of Georgia faculty, allowing one request per academic year. The funding, capped at $500, can be used for various purposes including conference travel, event funding, and book subventions. This initiative aims to enhance academic contributions by supporting essential activities outside the standard grant programs, emphasizing the importance of faculty research and engagement.

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 Rural Teaching Apprenticeship Grant aims to address educator shortages in rural Georgia by funding registered teaching apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships. With a total funding pool of $2,168,125, this initiative supports mentorship, tuition, and services essential for creating robust teaching programs. By establishing pathways for aspiring educators, the grant enhances the teacher pipeline, providing high school students with practical skills and a clear route to certification and a teaching career.

The PLTW Engineering grant supports public schools in implementing at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2025-2026 academic year, with a total funding of $30,000 over two years. Eligible districts include those in Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Grantees are required to submit annual reports and assist in collecting surveys to enhance program effectiveness and share results with stakeholders.

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.