Being a teacher is one of the best and most rewarding jobs. Teachers have the chance to inspire young minds, help students reach their potential, and make a real difference in their communities.
Beyond that, teaching offers job security, growth opportunities, and paid holidays during spring and summer breaks. It’s a career that gives back in so many ways.
But, becoming a teacher can be expensive. College tuition, books, materials, and certification exams cost thousands of dollars. For example, earning a teaching degree might cost between $10,000 and $30,000 per year, depending on the institution.
These high costs may make it hard for some people to pursue their dream of teaching.
Thankfully, there are available to help aspiring teachers in Ohio. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden, covering tuition and other education-related expenses.
Scholarships make it easier for future teachers to focus on their education and career goals without worrying about money.
In this article, we’ll look at the scholarships available for aspiring educators in Ohio, explain how to qualify, and share tips on how to apply to increase your chances of getting one.
Ohio is a great place to become a teacher. Let’s explore how you can make it happen.
Reasons to Apply for Teacher Scholarship in Ohio
Tuition fees, textbooks, certification exams, and other costs can quickly add up, making it harder for many people to pursue their dream of teaching. Teacher scholarships in Ohio help overcome these challenges.
By applying for a teacher scholarship, you can focus more on your education and future career without the stress of financial burdens.
The following are the main reasons why applying for a teacher scholarship in Ohio is a smart choice:
- Reduces the financial burden of tuition, books, and other education-related expenses: Teacher scholarships can cover part or even all of your education costs. This means less money spent on tuition, school supplies, and materials like textbooks. With a scholarship, you can worry less about how to pay for school and focus more on becoming a great teacher.
- Helps aspiring teachers graduate with less student loan debt. Scholarships make it possible to graduate without taking on large student loans. This means you can start your teaching career without years of financial stress. You’ll have more freedom to focus on your students and personal goals instead of worrying about repaying loans.
- Enables access to advanced degrees and certifications needed for career growth. If you’re already a teacher, scholarships can help you pursue advanced degrees or specialized certifications. A higher education level leads to promotions, leadership roles, or the ability to teach in specific areas like gifted education or school administration.
- Opens doors to specialized teaching roles, such as in STEM or Special Education.
Some scholarships are specifically for teachers who want to work in fields like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) or Special Education. These roles are in high demand, and scholarships encourage more people to enter these critical areas, giving you an edge in your teaching career. - Many scholarships are tied to accredited institutions, ensuring recipients get a quality education. Scholarships often require you to attend an accredited college or university. This ensures you’ll receive a high-quality education from a reputable program, preparing you to be the best teacher you can be.
- Scholarships often target high-need teaching areas like math, science, and special education. Ohio faces teacher shortages in certain areas, like math, science, and special education. Scholarships for these fields provide financial help and a chance to make a big impact where it’s needed most.
- Recipients in these fields may receive higher financial aid and additional job placement opportunities. Teachers who specialize in high-need subjects often qualify for larger scholarship amounts and better job placement support. This means you’ll have an easier time finding a stable, well-paying teaching job after graduation.
Applying for teacher scholarships in Ohio can help reduce the cost of your education, receive a quality teaching degree, and enter a career where you’re needed. These programs provide the financial and professional support to set you up for success as an educator.
Types of Teacher Scholarships in Ohio
Teacher scholarships in Ohio come in three main types. Each type is designed to meet the needs of aspiring and current educators at different stages of their careers or in specific teaching fields:
- Undergraduate scholarships: Aimed at students who are just starting their journey to becoming teachers. They provide financial aid to help cover the costs of earning a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field. Undergraduate scholarships are perfect for high school graduates or early college students who need help paying for tuition, textbooks, and other education expenses.
- Graduate scholarships: Designed for current teachers or those with a bachelor’s degree who want to further their education. These scholarships help cover the costs of pursuing advanced degrees, such as a master’s in education or specialized certifications in areas like curriculum design or educational leadership. Graduate scholarships are ideal for teachers who want to advance their careers, qualify for leadership roles, or meet state requirements for teaching in specialized fields.
- Specialized scholarships: These target specific teaching fields or high-need areas, such as STEM, Special Education, or teaching in underserved communities. Specialized scholarships often require applicants to demonstrate an interest or background in the specific field, such as prior coursework, volunteer experience, or a written essay explaining their passion for the subject.
In the next section, we’ll list scholarships available for prospective teachers in Ohio to help you obtain the support you need to pursue your educational and professional aspirations.
1. The Teachers of Tomorrow Scholarship
Each year, Teachers of Tomorrow offers scholarships to 20 aspiring educators to help them start their teaching careers.
The scholarship, valued at $6,000, covers the entire Teachers of Tomorrow program fee. This financial support allows recipients to join the alternative certification program at no cost.
The Teachers of Tomorrow program includes comprehensive training, mentorship, and support throughout training and internship.
Aspiring teachers who are ready to begin their teaching careers and have a strong passion for education can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to teaching and education.
2. Ohio War Orphans Scholarship
The Ohio War Orphans Scholarship provides financial assistance to children of deceased or severely disabled veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, enabling them to pursue higher education in Ohio.
This scholarship is available to Ohio residents who are children of veterans classified as deceased or at least 60% disabled due to their service. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at an accredited Ohio college or university.
The scholarship covers a significant portion of tuition and instructional fees for eligible students. You must maintain good academic standing to continue receiving benefits.
3. Choose Ohio First Scholarship (COF)
The Choose Ohio First Scholarship aims to increase the number of students entering STEM and related teaching fields in Ohio to address workforce demands and teacher shortages.
Ohio residents pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in STEM or education fields at participating Ohio colleges and universities are eligible to apply. However, if awarded for education, you must commit to teaching in Ohio after graduation.
The scholarship offers tuition assistance of $2,000 to $5,200 annually, and beneficiaries can apply more than once. Students are also given additional support, such as mentoring, internships, and professional networking opportunities.
4. Federal TEACH Grant
The Federal TEACH Grant is designed to encourage students to pursue teaching careers in high-need fields and schools serving low-income families.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a TEACH Grant-eligible program.
- Agree to teach for at least four years in a high-need field, such as math, science, special education, or bilingual education, at a low-income school.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 or higher and complete counseling on grant requirements.
Eligible students can receive up to $4,000 annually to help pay for their education. However, the amount may vary based on federal funding and enrollment status (full-time or part-time). Students need to complete an annual FAFSA application to qualify.
If the teaching service commitment is not met within eight years of graduating, the grant converts into a loan, which must be repaid with interest.
5. The Marilyn Cross Scholarship
The Marilyn Cross Scholarship is one of the scholarships offered by the Ohio Education Association (OEA).
The Ohio Education Association is a professional organization representing teachers, faculty, and support staff across Ohio. OEA provides resources, advocacy, and financial support to help educators achieve success in their careers and classrooms.
One way they support educators is through various grants and scholarships.
The Marilyn Cross Scholarship honors the memory of Marilyn Cross, a dedicated teacher and leader in education. It provides financial support to aspiring teachers who demonstrate a strong commitment to the teaching profession.
Here are the criteria for eligibility:
- Current college juniors or seniors enrolled in an accredited teacher preparation program in Ohio.
- Applicants must be pursuing a degree in education with the intention of becoming a teacher.
- Membership in the Ohio Education Association (OEA) or an affiliated organization is required.
The scholarship award is $4,000. The selection process considers academic performance, leadership qualities, and dedication to education.
6. John F. Kennedy Scholarship
The John F. Kennedy Scholarship is awarded to aspiring teachers who show strong academic achievement and dedication to public education. It honors President John F. Kennedy’s legacy and commitment to education and leadership.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a member of the OEA.
- A college junior or senior enrolled in an accredited teacher preparation program in Ohio
- Demonstrate the need for financial assistance.
The scholarship provides $4,000. Applicants must submit a completed application form, official transcripts, a personal essay about their passion for teaching, and letters of recommendation.
7. Jean Kershaw Scholarship
The Jean Kershaw Scholarship is designed to honor the memory of Jean Kershaw, a dedicated educator and OEA leader.
This scholarship supports aspiring teachers who demonstrate strong academic performance and a commitment to serving Ohio’s students.
To be eligible:
- Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited teacher preparation program in Ohio.
- Candidates should be pursuing a degree in education to become a teacher.
- Membership in the Ohio Education Association (OEA) and NEA- student program.
- Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and a clear commitment to the teaching profession.
The Jean Kershaw Scholarship awards $2,000 to assist with tuition and education-related expenses. It honors a passionate educator’s legacy by supporting the next generation of leaders in Ohio’s schools.
8. ESP Aspiring Teacher Scholarship
The ESP Aspiring Teacher Scholarship is also offered by the OEA.
The ESP (Education Support Professionals) Aspiring Teacher Scholarship is designed to assist OEA Education Support Professionals who are pursuing a teaching license.
This scholarship helps support their transition from support roles to becoming licensed teachers.
The eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Applicants must be members of the OEA currently working as Education Support Professionals, such as teacher’s aides, custodians, secretaries, or other non-teaching roles in schools.
- They must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited teacher education program.
- Candidates must show a commitment to the teaching profession and demonstrate how they plan to contribute to education in Ohio.
- Applicants must provide a completed application form, proof of enrollment in a teacher preparation program, and a personal essay explaining their career goals and motivation to become a teacher.
- A letter of recommendation from a supervisor or school administrator is required as part of the application.
This scholarship awards up to $4,000 to help cover educational expenses. Special consideration is given to applicants with financial need or those who demonstrate active involvement in their school communities.
9. National Federation of the Blind Program
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) provides financial support to blind or visually impaired individuals pursuing higher education, including degrees in teaching. It aims to empower recipients to achieve their academic and career goals.
The requirements include the following:
- Applicants must be legally blind in both eyes.
- Must be pursuing a full-time degree at an accredited college or university in the US
- Must demonstrate academic achievement, leadership qualities, and community involvement.
The program offers thirty scholarships annually, with each beneficiary getting $8,000. Recipients also receive access to a supportive community, mentoring, and resources through the NFB.
10. Grow Your Own Teacher Programs (varies by district)
Grow Your Own Teacher Programs often work with local school districts, universities, and community organizations to support aspiring teachers.
Here are the details on eligibility:
- You must live in Ohio and want to become a teacher.
- You should be in areas with teacher shortages, such as urban or rural schools.
- Eligibility also extends to people already working in education support roles, like paraprofessionals, or those returning to teaching after a career break.
- Many programs aim to help people from underrepresented groups, such as people of color or those from low-income communities, to better reflect the students they will teach.
Financial help can vary by school district but usually covers tuition, fees, and sometimes supplies or mentorship. Some programs offer up to $5,000 per year.
Many programs require participants to teach in the same school or district where they trained for a few years after completing the program. This helps ensure the schools in need of teachers get the support they need.
Participants are matched with experienced mentors who guide them through the teacher training process.
Grow Your Own Teacher Programs are a great way for people who are passionate about teaching to get the support they need and give back to their communities.
Requirements for a Teacher Scholarship In Ohio
When applying for a teacher scholarship in Ohio, each scholarship has its own set of rules. However, most scholarships have similar requirements that applicants must meet.
Knowing these requirements ahead of time can make the application process easier and help you get the support you need to become a teacher.
Academic Qualifications
To be eligible for a teacher scholarship in Ohio, applicants need to show that they are ready and committed to pursuing a teaching degree.
These qualifications commonly include:
- You must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in an accredited Ohio college or university for a degree in education or a related field. This ensures that you are getting quality education to prepare you for teaching.
- Most scholarships require a minimum grade point average (GPA). This is usually between 2.5 and 3.5. A higher GPA can make you a stronger candidate for the scholarship, as it shows your academic dedication.
- You will need to provide academic transcripts (your official school record) or proof that you have been accepted into an accredited teaching program. This helps show your readiness and commitment to becoming a teacher.
These academic requirements help ensure that applicants are serious about their education and ready to work hard in their teaching careers.
Residency Requirements
Since these scholarships are designed to help people who want to teach in Ohio, they are typically available to residents of the state. You must meet certain residency requirements, which might include:
- Show that you live in Ohio. This helps ensure that the scholarship benefits people who will teach in Ohio schools.
- You may need to provide documents showing you live in Ohio, such as a driver’s license, state ID, voter registration, or a utility bill with your name and address.
- Some scholarships may require you to have lived in Ohio for a certain amount of time before applying. For example, you may need to be a resident for at least a year.
These residency requirements help ensure the funding stays within the state and supports Ohio’s future teachers.
Commitment to Teaching in Specific Areas/Subjects
Ohio offers teacher scholarships that target specific areas with a high need for teachers. These areas include subjects like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), Special Education, and teaching in underserved communities.
Scholarships for these areas often have additional requirements, such as:
- If you are applying for a scholarship that supports a high-need area, like STEM or Special Education, you may need to show that you have an interest in or background in these subjects.
- You may be asked to write an essay or statement showing why you are passionate about teaching. This might include explaining your career goals, why you want to teach in your chosen field, and how you plan to make a positive impact on students.
- Some scholarships come with a service agreement. This means you must agree to teach in a specific area or subject for some years after graduating. This requirement helps ensure that areas with teacher shortages are supported long-term.
Before applying, you need to understand these requirements and prepare the necessary documents to increase your chances of securing a teacher scholarship in Ohio.
Application Components
When you apply for a teacher scholarship in Ohio, there are certain documents you will need to submit. These are the general parts of the application:
- Completed application form: This form is the main part of your application. It asks for basic information about you, such as your name, contact details, school history, and the teaching program you want to pursue.
- Personal statement or essay: Many scholarships ask for an essay or personal statement. This is where you explain why you want to be a teacher, what your career goals are, and why you are a good fit for the scholarship.
- Letters of recommendation: You will usually need two or three letters of recommendation. These letters should come from people who know you well, like teachers, professors, mentors, or employers. They help show your character, work ethic, and dedication to becoming a teacher.
- Transcripts: These include all the official records of your academic performance. You will need to provide transcripts from your high school or college. These help the scholarship committee see how well you’ve done in school and if you meet the scholarship’s requirements. If required, you will need to submit official, sealed copies.
- Proof of citizenship or legal status: Some scholarships require that you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident. You may need to submit documents like your birth certificate, passport, or other papers to prove your legal status.
Having all these components ready will help you complete your scholarship application more easily and increase your chances of receiving financial support for your teaching education.
Steps to Apply for Teacher Scholarships
To successfully apply for a teacher scholarship in Ohio, you’ll need to follow a few important steps.
These steps will help you stay on track and improve your chances of getting the financial support you need.
1. Research Available Scholarships
Begin by looking for teacher scholarships that match your education goals, field of study, and career plans.
Focus on scholarships from Ohio universities, private groups, and even federal programs.
Take time to read through the eligibility requirements, scholarship amounts, and any special commitments.
2. Prepare Necessary Documents
Collect all the documents you need for your application, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
Make sure each document meets the specific requirements for the scholarship you’re applying for.
3. Meet the Deadlines and Requirements
Pay attention to scholarship deadlines. Write them down and plan ahead to make sure your application is submitted on time.
Double-check that you meet all the eligibility rules and that your application is complete. Missing a deadline or leaving out important documents can result in your application being disqualified, so it’s important to be careful.
Apply for a Teacher Scholarship
Applying for teacher scholarships in Ohio is a great way to get the financial help you need to start your teaching career.
If you follow the steps we’ve outlined in this guide, you can find the right scholarships, gather the required documents, and meet all deadlines.
Remember, getting a scholarship can make a big difference in your ability to focus on your studies and become the teacher you aspire to be.
Take your time to research and apply for scholarships that fit your goals. Don’t wait—start your application process today.
