Support Education Foundation Announces $25,000 in Professional Development Awards for Educators

The Support Education Foundation announced the launch of $25,000 in new Professional Development Awards designed to bridge the financial gap between talented educators and their next level of professional mastery. Recognizing that teaching is a highly skilled craft requiring rigorous investment, the Foundation is opening applications for two distinct grant programs: the new National Board Certification Award and the expanded Maurice Erly Professional Development Award.

Achieving National Board Certification means a potential base salary increase of $17,000. While state and local school systems now cover the majority of certification fees, hidden costs often fall on teachers.

"We believe passion fuels the profession, but resources sustain it," said Kristy Mathey, Board Chair of the Support Education Foundation. "While the outcome of certification pays off, the journey is demanding. We want to be there for teachers so they can clear any barriers between them and certification, whether that is the costs of mentoring, portfolios or workshops.”

2026 Professional Development Award Details

Applications must be submitted by March 15 at SupportEducation.org.

1. The National Board Certification Award

This award offers flexible funding specifically for National Board Certification costs.

• Awards: 20 grants of $500 each.
• Regional Equity: One recipient will be selected from each of Maryland's five regions to ensure statewide access throughout Western Maryland, the Capital Region, Central Maryland, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore.
• Purpose: To cover materials, mentoring, coaching or workshops.
• Eligibility: Open to K-12, community college or higher education employees in Maryland as well as employees of Howard University and Howard University Hospital.

 2. The Maurice Erly Professional Development Award

Professional growth takes many forms, from Career Technical Education (CTE) instructors aligning with Grow the Trades initiatives to teachers seeking specialized certifications.

• Awards: 15 grants of $1,000 each.
• Purpose: Funding for workshops, certifications, classes and professional learning experiences.
• Eligibility: Open to K-12, community college or higher education employees in Maryland, as well as employees of Howard University and Howard University Hospital.

This funding creates a support structure that aligns with the Mid-Atlantic's growing reputation as a laboratory for educational policy innovation. This initiative is made possible through the support of major partners, including The CU Foundation and Vizo Financial.

The Support Education Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) established by Educational Systems FCU in 2017, supports students and school employees through charitable giving programs. Learn more at SupportEducation.org.

Educational Systems FCU is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative, founded in 1955 to serve the education community. With $1.3 billion in assets, 13 branches and over 80,000 members, the Credit Union strives to make financial wellness and stability accessible for all the communities they serve.