Professional Opportunities
NEA Grants and Awards
MEA Grant Opportunities
Clyde Russell Scholarship Fund is now open
The Clyde Russell Scholarship Fund was created by the Maine Education Association through a trust established by the late Audrey Lewis.
Mrs. Lewis served as President of the Maine Teachers Association in 1958, and named the fund after Clyde Russell, who served as Executive Director from 1945 to 1966. The Trust operates in accordance to the Will of Audrey Lewis, is administered by its own Trustees, and is independent from the Maine Education Association.
Overview of the awards
The Trustees have designated two different categories of awards:
- Graduating High School Seniors Who Will Attend a Four-Year College
- Graduating High School Seniors Who Will Attend a Maine Community College
Awards for High School Seniors who will attend a Four-Year College will not exceed $10,000. Awards for High School Seniors Who Will Attend a Maine Community College will not exceed $2,000. The Trustees may grant the awards in all categories to recipients who meet multifaceted and diverse criteria, as opposed to any single criteria such as financial need or scholastic achievement. Each year the Trustees will determine the number of scholarships to be awarded. Runner-up finalists will receive $500 in recognition of their outstanding achievement and/ or cultural contribution.
Categories of awards
Graduating High School Seniors Who Will Attend a Four-Year CollegeThis award will be to cover tuition, room, board, books and fees, not to exceed $10,000. Awards are paid directly to the winner upon receipt of the first semester grades. In granting the awards, the Trustees will consider personal traits and qualities, extra-curricular activities, community activities, academic ability and motivation, and personal goals and objectives.
Graduating High School Seniors Who Will Attend a Maine Community CollegeThis award will be to cover tuition, room, board, books and fees, not to exceed $2,000. Awards are paid directly to the winner upon receipt of the first semester grades. In granting the awards, the Trustees will consider personal traits and qualities, extra-curricular activities, community activities, academic ability and motivation, and personal goals and objectives.
Application forms & deadlines
Application forms must be obtained by going to: www.clyderussellscholarshipfund.org
Applications may be downloaded between November 1 and January 31. Deadlines for applications will be February 1 of any given year.
All questions must be made in writing.
Clyde Russell Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 2457
Augusta, ME 04338
Brochures are available at your school guidance office, local library, and town offices statewide.
National Board Certification and Take One!® Grants Available for 2011-12
Through support from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and MEA, grants are now available for members pursuing National Board Certification or the Take One! process during the 2011-12 school year.Teachers interested in National Board Certification must be certified and under contract to teach in a Maine public school or private school enrolling 60% or more students at public expense and have at least three years' experience. Teachers must also be new participants in the National Board process. The cost is $2,500 and a $1,250 subsidy is available for each active candidate. In order to receive the candidate fee subsidy, teachers must first pay the non-refundable $65 application fee and the non-refundable $500 inital fee by December 31, 2011. Visit nbpts.org to apply and then be sure to complete the Maine NBPTS Candidate Subsidy Agreement Form.
Candidates, who do not receive federal money to support candidacy, are also eligible to receive up to $700 for two retake exercises. FMI please contact Maine Federal Subsidy Administrator, Connie Russell.
Take One! is available to all teachers, pre-service teachers, principals, administrators, professors in college of education, and those who provide support for NBC candidates. Please find detailed information on nbpts.org. The cost is $395, and after paying the non-refundable $65 application fee, a grant funded by the US Department of Education and sponsored by the MEA will cover the cost of participating in Take One! Please see MEA's Information for 2011-12 Take One! Particpants flyer for important details, deadlines and support contact information.
Questions about either the National Board Certification or Take One! process? Please contact Connie Russell, Coordinator of Candidate Support for National Board Certification, MEA.
Liberty Mutual National Board Certification Scholarship
Liberty Mutual, in partnership with NBPTS, will offer K-12 educators the opportunity to earn a fully-funded National Board Certification Scholarship. Liberty Mutual will provide funding for 30 scholarships in 2011 (15 Spring, 15 Fall). Please visit their website for more information.
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