Becoming a teacher can be an overwhelming and expensive endeavor. However, there are several programs available to help you along the way. Math is considered a high-need area, and because of this, there are several programs specifically designed to help you become the best math teacher you can be!
Awards
- Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST): Considered one of the nation’s highest honors, the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded to outstanding teachers with high-quality instructional programs grounded in exceptional content knowledge and responsible for greatly enhancing student learning. the prize includes an award of up to $10,000 and a free trip to Washington, D.C.
- Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching: Great teaching practices can be found all over the world. The Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program provides funding for highly-qualified primary and secondary school educators to travel abroad for up to three or four months and explore professional development opportunities in other countries and cultures.
Fellowships
- Teaching Ambassador Fellowships: Want to experience firsthand how the Department of Education works? Exceptional teachers can apply for a one-year fellowship to work in Washington, D.C. and get an up-close and personal look at just how things are done.
- Knowles Teacher Initiative: This program offers a five-year fellowship aimed at helping new teachers grow to be the solid foundation every school needs. Teachers can receive up to $9,000 each year for professional development, classroom materials, and stipends.
- Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship: Experienced math teachers are eligible to apply for this 11-month fellowship, where they will get the chance to work in a federal agency or Congressional office.
- Math for America: This program is available for both early-career and seasoned math teachers. This fellowship is offered in seven different locations, giving teachers all over the country an opportunity to take part in this exciting program.
- Teaching Policy Fellowship: Are you willing to commit to one four-hour meeting every month? That’s all that’s required in this fellowship! Each meeting you’ll get an opportunity to work with leading education experts and gain intimate knowledge of education policies to help develop new and innovative ideas for the classroom. In addition, there is a $2,400 stipend over 16 months.
Grants
- TEACH Grant: This grant is specifically designed for teachers, or those becoming teachers, who specialize in high-need areas, such as mathematics, and teach (or plan to teach) in low-income communities. The grant award is up to $4,000; however, there are certain terms and qualifications that apply, so be sure to read all the details.
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“Toshiba America Foundation offers grants up to $5,000 for teachers who are passionate about finding new ways to teach mathematics.”
Toshiba America Foundation: Are you a classroom innovator on a mission to make math more engaging for your students? Toshiba America Foundation offers grants up to $5,000 for teachers who are passionate about finding new, creative ways to teach mathematics in the classroom. In order to qualify for this grant, applications must involve project-based learning.
- Dow Teacher Challenge:: Do you have a great idea on how to improve math education in the classroom? If so, you could be eligible to earn $1,000 just for sharing your ideas. That’s right! Share your thoughts on how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) could be better taught in American schools, and if selected, you could receive $1,000 to help implement those ideas.
Scholarships
- National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Scholarships:
- Elementary school teachers: The Dale Seymour Fund offers a $2,000 scholarship to teachers of grades pre-K through 5th that want to enhance their understanding of mathematics. This scholarship is available to NTCM member-teachers with at least three years of teaching experience.
Middle school teachers: The Edward J. Brennan Fund offers a scholarship award of $3,000 to students in their junior year of college preparing to become middle school math teachers. To apply, submit a written proposal explaining how you plan to spend the next year or two of college, and how you could use the scholarship funds to help you become a certified teacher. If you are already teaching middle school math and want to further your understanding of mathematics, you can apply for a $2,000 scholarship through the Dale Seymour Fund.- High school teachers: The Demana-Waits Fund offers a $10,000 scholarship for college students completing their sophomore year and planning to teach secondary school mathematics. The Dale Seymour Fund also offers a $2,000 scholarship for teachers of grades 9-12 that would like to enhance their content knowledge through graduate work.
There’s more to learn: Find out about federal programs for student loan forgiveness and cancellation.
