Grants for Teachers

Teachers can access federal and state grants for master's degrees, professional development, student loan forgiveness, housing assistance, and emergency support. With 808 verified grant opportunities available, you can advance your career and improve your financial situation without taking on additional debt.

Types of Grants for Teachers

Master's Degree & Advanced Certification

Grants for pursuing master's degrees in education, STEM specializations, special education, and advanced teaching certifications without repayment.

Student Loan Forgiveness

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Teacher Loan Forgiveness, and state-specific programs that forgive federal student loans after service.

Professional Development

Grants for workshops, conferences, curriculum development, classroom technology, and continuing education to strengthen teaching effectiveness.

Housing & Living Assistance

Home buyer grants, housing assistance programs, and emergency financial aid for teachers facing hardship or transitioning to new communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grants can teachers access?

Teachers can access federal student loan forgiveness programs (PSLF, Teacher Loan Forgiveness), grants for master's degrees and advanced certifications, professional development grants, housing assistance programs, and emergency financial aid. Many grants are specific to subject areas (STEM, special education) or school types (rural, high-poverty schools). State education departments also offer teacher grants and loan forgiveness programs.

What is Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)?

PSLF forgives the remaining balance on federal student loans after 10 years (120 qualifying payments) of working in public service—including teaching at public schools. Teachers must be employed full-time at a qualifying public or nonprofit school and make payments under an income-based repayment plan. To check eligibility, go to studentaid.gov and look for the PSLF Help Tool. As a government/nonprofit employee, most teachers automatically qualify.

What is Teacher Loan Forgiveness?

Teacher Loan Forgiveness forgives up to $17,500 in federal student loans after 5 years of full-time teaching at a low-income school. You must teach in a school that qualifies as low-income (identified by the Department of Education). The program is administered by federal loan servicers. This is separate from PSLF and offers faster forgiveness but covers fewer loans.

Are there grants for teachers pursuing a master's degree?

Yes. Federal grants don't restrict aid to bachelor's degrees—Pell Grants and other aid apply to graduate education. However, grant amounts are typically smaller for graduate students. States also offer education grants for teachers pursuing master's degrees or advanced certifications in high-need areas (special education, math, science). Your state's education department website lists specific programs.

What about professional development grants?

Schools and school districts often have professional development budgets. Beyond school funding, the Department of Education offers grants for developing new curriculum and improving teacher quality. The National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) fund professional development in STEM and humanities. Check your school's professional development coordinator for available opportunities.

Are there emergency grants for teachers in hardship?

Yes. Many education organizations offer emergency grants for teachers facing medical crises, natural disasters, or unexpected hardship. NEA and AFT unions often have emergency funds. State education departments may have emergency relief programs. Non-profits like the EdCan Fund and the Teacher Emergency Support Fund provide rapid grants. Contact your union representative or state education office for emergency grant programs.

Can I get a housing grant as a teacher?

Some states and municipalities offer down payment assistance and housing grants for teachers, especially for underserved communities. The HUD Teacher Next Door program offers discounts on foreclosed homes for teachers. Some states have teacher housing programs with favorable loans and grants. Check your state's education department and housing authority for teacher-specific housing programs.

Are there grants for special education teachers?

Yes. Special education teachers often qualify for additional grant funding. The Department of Education offers grants to schools for special education professional development. States offer grants for teachers pursuing special education certification. Teachers in schools with high percentages of students with disabilities may qualify for additional grants and loan forgiveness incentives.

5 Steps to Access Teacher Grants

Identify Your Needs: Determine what you need (loan forgiveness, master's funding, professional development, housing help, emergency aid). Different programs cover different needs. Start with your state's education department website to find relevant programs.
Check PSLF Eligibility: If you have federal student loans, visit studentaid.gov and use the PSLF Help Tool to check eligibility for loan forgiveness. You may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Teacher Loan Forgiveness. This is often your fastest path to financial relief.
Research State & Local Programs: Contact your state's Department of Education and local school district about specific teacher grants, loan forgiveness, professional development funding, and housing programs. Many programs are administered at the state/local level and may not be widely advertised.
Apply for Applicable Programs: Submit applications to programs you qualify for. Most grant applications are online. Keep copies of confirmations and follow up on application status. Some programs have rolling deadlines; others have annual application windows.
Provide Required Documentation: Submit proof of employment, teaching credentials, loan documents, or other required materials. Respond quickly to requests for additional information. Missing documents can delay approval.