Scholarships & Awards

Celebrating Excellence

KDP proudly recognizes and celebrates teacher candidates through multiple scholarships and awards. Explore the opportunities below to learn more about eligibility and requirements. We welcome you to apply to those that fit your needs, and we offer our sincere gratitude to the generous donors who have invested in future and new teachers through these scholarships and awards!

Scholarships

The scholarship application cycle has concluded for 2022 opportunities but will reopen in March 2023. Scholarships are a benefit for active paid members. Our online scholarship applications consist of short answers, an essay on the scholarship’s prompt, unofficial transcripts, and a letter of reference. Scholarship award money helps advance the recipients’ studies and/or teaching careers. Tuition/student loans, curriculum books, technology, classroom manipulatives, and items to establish your first learning environment are examples of acceptable uses. Scholarship money will be awarded directly to the recipient. Recipients submit a survey to share the impact of the scholarship funds. 

Undergraduate Scholarships

Available to one undergraduate student at a college or university in Texas, with a preference for the greater Houston area. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "Why do you want to be an educator?"

Award
$1,000 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Harralyne Landrove, Western Governors University Texas, Deaf Smith Elementary School (Texas)

View Form

Available to one undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student, or practicing K–12 educator in their first 3 years of teaching. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "What is the role of service in becoming a professional educator?" An additional document is required that describes your service to the chapter, community, and profession, and how your service made a difference.

Award
$1,500 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Kylee Murray, Concordia University Chicago, Aurora University

View Form

Available to one undergraduate student with a focus on Elementary Education and Common Core Standards, with students at a Louisiana college or university given preference; scholarship open to all KDP members. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "Briefly describe how you plan to implement the Common Core Standards using best practices and strategies for addressing the learning styles of each student."

Award
$1,000 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Faith Lam, East Carolina University

View Form

Available to one undergraduate student with a major in Elementary Education and/or Early Childhood Education. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, “Upon graduation, you have been hired to teach students in a first- or second-grade self-contained classroom. Address your plan to develop your students’ reading abilities as well as their love of reading.” You are encouraged to integrate your philosophy of education into the plan as it relates to the experiences you will create in your classroom to accomplish these goals.

Award
$1,000 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Savannah Nichole Egger, Winona State University

View Form

Available to one undergraduate student in Elementary or Secondary Education at any college or university. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "Write a clear, thoughtful essay addressing the importance of coherent content planning to ensure excellent teaching in your particular area(s) of concentration."

Award
$1,500 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Emily Shay Walker, Shepherd University

View Form

Available to two undergraduate or graduate students in Elementary Education. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "What life experiences have led you to study education, and how will those experiences influence your role as an elementary educator?" An additional statement is required, demonstrating financial need. A statement could include describing the gap between financial aid and tuition costs and/or family and employment hardships.

Award
$1,000 each for two recipients

2021 Recipients

Jesyka L. Barbieri, East Tennessee State University, Anna Wurster, Eastern Michigan University, Kennedy Elementary School (Michigan)

View Form

Available to one undergraduate Education major with PK–12 emphasis who is a resident of Indiana or Ohio. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "Write an original essay that reflects your reasons for wanting to be a teacher (identify level—elementary, middle, high school, college, etc.) and indicate what professional challenges you expect to face upon the completion of your degree."

Award $1,000 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Landri Lynn Shannan, Ohio University

View Form

Available to one undergraduate or graduate student majoring in Special Education. Graduate students must have an emphasis in dyslexia and/or autism. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, “Discuss your approach to working with students with special needs, particularly dyslexia and autism.” Your response should include your tailored approach to communicating with students with special needs as well as their parents regarding learning progress, social interactions, and environmental adjustments.

Award $1,500 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Jessica Anne Thompson, University of Maryland

View Form

Available to two undergraduate student teachers. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, “Write an essay that portrays your personal vision as an educator and how your student teaching experience influenced your future career goals.” An additional statement is required, demonstrating financial need. A statement could include describing the gap between financial aid and tuition costs and/or family and employment hardships.

Award $750 for two recipients

2021 Recipients

Nahel Jallouk, Indian River State College, Oak Hammock K–8 School (Florida); Dominique Trench-Muhammad, Stevenson University

View Form

Available to one undergraduate Elementary Education major with a science, math, or technology focus. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "Write an essay that portrays your personal vision as an educator and how you intend to make a difference in the general education of children and youth through science, math, or technology."

Award $1,000 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Kellie Rebekah Vosteen, Auburn University

View Form

Available to one undergraduate student in Instrumental Music Education (band and/or orchestra). The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "Write an essay that portrays your personal vision as an educator and how you intend to make a difference in the musical and general education of children and youth."

Award $1,250 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Sofia Grace Sangiorgio, New York University

View Form

Available to one undergraduate student in Elementary or Secondary Education. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "Write an original essay that reflects your reasons for wanting to be a teacher and indicate what professional challenges you expect to face upon the completion of your degree."

Award $750 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Laura Katherine Short, Salisbury University

View Form

Available to one undergraduate or graduate student who writes a research paper based on issues that affect teachers and learning. In lieu of an essay, please submit a research paper completed between May 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022, that was part of an undergraduate or graduate program in a recognized school or college of education. Papers will be considered based on the following criteria: significance of topic, adequacy, and appropriateness of methodology (especially those representing various methodologies, e.g., experimental, ethnographic, statistical, historical, survey), as well as writing clarity.

Award $1,000 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Anna L. Malone, West Liberty University

View Form

Available to one undergraduate or graduate student in Special Education. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "What are the challenges facing teachers working with students with special needs?"

Award $1,500 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Korrie Karissa Alexander, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

View Form

Available to one undergraduate student in Education residing in Marion County, Indiana, and attending a college or university in Indiana. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "Write an original essay that reflects your reasons for wanting to be a teacher (identify level—elementary, middle, high school, college, etc.) and indicate what professional challenges you expect to face upon the completion of your degree."

Award $1,000 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Clara Marie Valentine, Indiana University

View Form

Available to one undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student, or practicing educator dedicated to leadership and service in KDP. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "What are your professional and personal reasons for seeking leadership and service opportunities in KDP? How have your academic program(s) and experiences prepared you for such an endeavor?"

Award $1,500 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Dr. Clear Moore, Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

View Form

Available to one undergraduate student in Education. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "Write an original essay that reflects your reasons for wanting to be a teacher (identify level—elementary, middle, high school, college, etc.) and indicate what professional challenges you expect to face upon the completion of your degree."

Award $1,000 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Jessica Marie Massey, Tennessee Technological University; Heather Lynn Reese, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Silver Run Elementary School (New Jersey)

View Form

Available to one undergraduate student in Education at Kent State University. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "Write an original essay that reflects your reasons for wanting to be a teacher (identify level—elementary, middle, high school, college, etc.) and indicate what professional challenges you expect to face upon the completion of your degree."

Award $1,000 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one undergraduate student at East Carolina University in Special Education or Middle Grades Education. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "Write an original essay that reflects your reasons for wanting to be a special education or middle grades teacher and indicate what professional challenges you expect to face upon the completion of your degree."

Award $1,500 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Kimberly Ann Ward Hensley, East Carolina University

View Form

Masters Scholarships

Available to one undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student, or practicing K–12 educator in their first 3 years of teaching. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, “What is the role of service in becoming a professional educator?” An additional document is required, describing your service to the chapter, community, and profession, and how your service made a difference.

Award $1,500 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Kylee Murray, Concordia University Chicago, Aurora University

View Form

Available to one undergraduate or graduate student who writes a research paper based on issues that affect teachers and learning. In lieu of an essay, please submit a research paper completed between May 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022, that was part of an undergraduate or graduate program in a recognized school or college of education. Papers will be considered based on the following criteria: significance of topic, adequacy, and appropriateness of methodology (especially those representing various methodologies, e.g., experimental, ethnographic, statistical, historical, survey.), as well as writing clarity.

Award $1,000 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Anna L. Malone, West Liberty University

View Form

Available to two undergraduate or graduate students in Elementary Education. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, “What life experiences have led you to study education, and how will those experiences influence your role as an elementary educator?” An additional statement is required, demonstrating financial need. A statement could include describing the gap between financial aid and tuition costs and/or family and employment hardships.

Award $1,000 for two recipients

2021 Recipients

Jesyka L. Barbieri, East Tennessee State University; Anna Wurster, Eastern Michigan University, Kennedy Elementary School (Michigan)

View Form

Available to one undergraduate or graduate student majoring in Special Education. Graduate students must have an emphasis in dyslexia and/or autism. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, “Discuss your approach to working with students with special needs, particularly dyslexia and autism.” Your response should include your tailored approach to communicating with students with special needs as well as their parents regarding learning progress, social interactions, and environmental adjustments.

Award $1,500 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Jessica Anne Thompson, University of Maryland

View Form

Available to one undergraduate or graduate student in Special Education. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, “What are the challenges facing teachers working with students with special needs?”

Award $1,500 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Korrie Karissa Alexander, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

View Form

Available to one graduate student in Curriculum and Instruction. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, “What challenging demands and opportunities of the 21st century make a graduate degree program in the practices and policies of curriculum and teaching desirable?”

Award $750 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Amelia Rose Wroblewski, University of Colorado at Boulder

View Form

KDP is honored to serve as the endowment manager for the legacy of the Louise M. Berman Fellows Fund. Dr. Berman is a longtime member of KDP and an honored Laureate. Available to one graduate student at the master’s or doctoral level. Unlike the other scholarships, this award does not require KDP membership. The purpose of this award is to advance curriculum, drive creative inquiry into the human condition, collaborate on cross-national education projects, and encourage personal growth.

Award $3,000

2021 Recipient

Anne J. Steketee

View Form

Available to one undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student, or practicing educator dedicated to leadership and service in KDP. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, “What are your professional and personal reasons for seeking leadership and service opportunities in KDP? How have your academic program(s) and experiences prepared you for such an endeavor?”

Award $1,500 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Dr. Clear Moore, Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

View Form

Doctoral Scholarships

Available to one doctoral student in Curriculum and Instruction. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "How will your pursuit of a doctoral degree impact the practical and theoretical development and implementation of curriculum in schools and the scholarly extension of curriculum as a field of study?”

Award $1,000 for one recipient

Current Recipient

Brandy Schroeder, Liberty University

View Form

Available to one doctoral student in Instructional Leadership at the University of Florida only. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "How will your pursuit of a doctoral degree impact the practical and theoretical development of instructional leadership and the scholarly extension of curriculum as a field of study?"

Award $5,000 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one doctoral student in Multicultural Education. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "How do you believe your doctoral program will enable you to impact the practical and theoretical development of more appropriate and responsible educational programs for students in multicultural settings and with multicultural content, as well as to contribute to the scholarly development of multicultural education as a field of study?"

Award $2,000 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Mackenzie Shiau, American College of Education

View Form

Available to one undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student, or practicing K–12 educator in their first 3 years of teaching. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, “What is the role of service in becoming a professional educator?” An additional document is required, describing your service to the chapter, community, and profession, and how your service made a difference.

Award $1,500 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Kylee Murray, Concordia University Chicago, Aurora University

View Form

Available to one undergraduate or graduate student who writes a research paper based on issues that affect teachers and learning. In lieu of an essay, please submit a research paper completed between May 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022, that was part of an undergraduate or graduate program in a recognized school or college of education. Papers will be considered based on the following criteria: significance of topic, adequacy, and appropriateness of methodology (especially entries representing various methodologies, e.g., experimental, ethnographic, statistical, historical, survey), as well as writing clarity.

Award $1,000 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Anna L. Malone, West Liberty University

View Form

Available to one doctoral student in International and Comparative Education. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "What impact do you see yourself having in the area of international and/or comparative education upon the completion of your doctoral degree?"

Award $2,000 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Rachel Siegman, Vanderbilt University

View Form

Available to two undergraduate or graduate students in Elementary Education. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, “What life experiences have led you to study education, and how will those experiences influence your role as an elementary educator?” An additional statement is required, demonstrating financial need. A statement could include describing the gap between financial aid and tuition costs and/or family and employment hardships.

Award $1,000 for two recipients

2021 Recipients

Jesyka L. Barbieri, East Tennessee State University; Anna Wurster, Eastern Michigan University, Kennedy Elementary School (Michigan)

View Form

Available to one doctoral student in Educational Administration. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "How will your pursuit of a doctoral degree impact the practical and theoretical development of substantively improved programs in schools, as well as extend the scholarly attention of this field to educational administration and policy analysis and development?"

Award $1,500 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Katrina Struloeff, Drexel University

View Form

Available to one doctoral student in Curriculum and Instruction. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, “How will your pursuit of a doctoral degree impact the practical and theoretical development and implementation of curriculum in schools and the scholarly extension of curriculum as a field of study?”

Award $3,500 for one recipient

2021 Recipients

Cynthia Villarreal Cantú, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

View Form

Available to one undergraduate or graduate student majoring in Special Education. Graduate students must have an emphasis in dyslexia and/or autism. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, “Discuss your approach to working with students with special needs, particularly dyslexia and autism.” Your response should include your tailored approach to communicating with students with special needs as well as their parents regarding learning progress, social interactions, and environmental adjustments.

Award $1,500 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Jessica Anne Thompson, University of Maryland

View Form

Available to one graduate student in Curriculum and Instruction. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "What challenging demands and opportunities of the 21st century make a graduate degree program in the practices and policies of curriculum and teaching desirable?"

Award $750 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Amelia Rose Wroblewski, University of Colorado at Boulder

View Form

KDP is honored to serve as the endowment manager for the legacy of the Louise M. Berman Fellows Fund. Dr. Berman is a longtime member of KDP and an honored Laureate. Available to one graduate student at the master’s or doctoral level. Unlike the other scholarships, this award does not require KDP membership. The purpose of this award is to advance curriculum, drive creative inquiry into the human condition, collaborate on cross-national education projects, and encourage personal growth.

Award $3,000 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Anne J. Steketee

View Form

Available to one undergraduate or graduate student in Special Education. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "What are the challenges facing teachers working with students with special needs?"

Award $1,500 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Korrie Karissa Alexander, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

View Form

Available to one doctoral student in Curriculum Studies or Educational Psychology. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "What is the relationship between the fields of Curriculum Studies and Educational Psychology?" An additional requirement of teaching experience, preferably at the secondary level, is needed.

Award $2,000 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Lindsay Romano, New York University

View Form

Available to one doctoral student in Curriculum and Instruction. Please choose one of the following prompts (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) on which to focus your essay:

  • If the focus is on Curriculum Development, the general essay topic is, "How will your pursuit of a doctoral degree impact the practical and theoretical development and implementation of curriculum in schools and the scholarly extension of curriculum as a field of study?"

  • If the focus is Social Studies Education, the question is, "How will your pursuit of a doctoral degree impact the practice and theoretical development and implementation of social studies programs in schools and the scholarly extension of social studies education as a field of study?"

  • If the focus is on Curriculum History, the essay question is, "How will your pursuit of a doctoral degree advance understanding of the historical development of the American school curriculum (in general or in a special curricular field) within a particular chronology and context?"

Award $3,000 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Connor Bryant, Texas Tech University, Heritage Middle School (Texas)

View Form

Available to one doctoral student in Childhood Education. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "How will your pursuit of a doctoral degree impact the practical and theoretical development of childhood education and the scholarly extension of curriculum as a field of study?"

Award $1,750 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Vicki Thrailkill Pheil, Columbus State University, LaGrange College

View Form

Available to one undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student, or practicing educator dedicated to leadership and service in KDP. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "What are your professional and personal reasons for seeking leadership and service opportunities in KDP? How have your academic program(s) and experiences prepared you for such an endeavor?"

Award $1,500 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Dr. Clear Moore, Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

View Form

Available to one doctoral student in Educational Evaluation and Technology. The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is, "How will your pursuit of a doctoral degree impact the practical and theoretical development of the policies and techniques of (a) educational evaluation or (b) educational technology, as well as the scholarly extension of this area as a field of study?"

Award $1,000 for one recipient

2021 Recipient

Irene A. Bal, Old Dominion University, Loyola University Maryland

View Form


Scholarship FAQs


Do I need to be an active paid member to apply?

Yes, scholarships are a benefit for active paid members.



When are scholarships offered?

We offer scholarships once per year in the spring. The application cycle opens in March 2022 and closes on May 9, 2022. Scholarship recipients will be announced on July 1, 2022.



Which scholarships do I qualify for?

You may apply for scholarships under your current level of study and/or practice. For example, a senior undergraduate student graduating in May is eligible for undergraduate opportunities. A P-12 teacher who is also earning a master’s degree may apply for both practicing teacher opportunities and masters opportunities.



Can I apply for multiple scholarships?

Yes, you may apply for as many scholarships for which you qualify. Only one application per individual may be submitted for each scholarship opportunity, and a member may only receive one scholarship per cycle. If an individual is the top candidate in multiple opportunities, they will be awarded the scholarship with the largest financial award.



Can I see the application questions in advance?

You may download a copy of the questions here to prepare and save a copy of your answers.



What are acceptable formats for my documents to upload?

We request documents be PDF or Word doc file types.



Do you require official transcripts?

No, unofficial transcripts are accepted. Undergraduate and graduate student applications should include a current transcript(s) of all college work completed to date. Doctoral-level applications should include an approved program prospectus or course of study. Please note that a delay may occur in requesting this information from your institution, which you may need to plan for when completing your online application.



Who should write my letter of reference?

At least one reference letter (given to student for submittal) should be included per application. If you are a member of a KDP chapter, you may provide a reference letter, signed by your Chapter Counselor, education professor, or program advisor, noting either (a) your participation in the chapter, particularly the scope of involvement and leadership positions; or (b) your potential as a teacher leader and a contributing scholar. If you attend an institution with no active KDP chapter, you may provide a reference letter signed by an education professor, program advisor, or dissertation supervisor that attests to your potential as a scholarly professional educator and notes the type and extent of your involvement in leadership roles held in your graduate program and/or your teaching in supervisory positions. If you are a doctoral scholarship applicant, you may provide a reference letter signed by your faculty dissertation supervisor/advisor that attests to your scholarly and professional potential and how your research fills a void in currently available research. If you have been admitted to a doctoral program but have not established a dissertation supervisor, a reference letter can be submitted from a previous graduate program advisor.

Who do I contact if I have further questions about applying?

Please reach out to Heather Lloyd at heather@kdp.org, who will be able to assist you.

Awards

Since the award’s establishment in 1994, KDP and the Association of Teacher Educators have named a very select few from around the United States as National Student Teachers of the Year. The award recognizes one student teacher/intern annually who has demonstrated the ability to plan and develop classroom management skills and instructional strategies that support all students; establish interpersonal relationships with students, parents, faculty, and staff; and reflect powerfully on their student teaching experience. KDP and ATE are honored to partner for this prestigious award in offering national recognition, at least one speaking engagement, and a $2,000 award to our student teacher recipient. To apply for the Student Teacher/Intern of the Year award, applicants must be an enrolled undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate student with a minimum 3.0 GPA and be student teaching/interning full time at a curricular level for which they are eligible for certification. Membership in KDP or ATE is not required to apply. All applicants must submit an application that includes a lesson plan and a 30-minute video consisting of an introduction, the lesson plan delivered in a classroom setting, and a reflection of the outcome.

2021 Recipients

Hayley McNeill, Bryan Tran

View Form

Each year, KDP is proud to celebrate dozens of incredible Chapter Officers from around the country. Nominated by fellow chapter leaders, Distinguished Chapter Officers not only exemplify leadership, but also relationship building, creativity, and a drive to see the chapter succeed. Nominations open in the spring.

2021 Recipients

Hallie Chewning, Liberty University; Logan Ellis, University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Kathryn Getty, Kean University; Abbie Hill, Angelo State University; Christiana Kerrs, Mount Saint Mary College; Emily Walker, Shepherd University; Samantha Wicks, University of Florida

View Form