Educator Excellence Scholarship

The University of South Alabama Educator Excellence Scholarship is for graduate students majoring in a teacher education program, who have previously earned an Alabama Professional Educator certificate. This scholarship is specifically designed for those seeking a Class A or AA certification.* This scholarship equates to 20% of tuition cost each semester for six consecutive semesters! Students admitted to an eligible program and who enroll in classes prior to the start of the term are automatically offered the scholarship.

Application Deadlines

Master of Education - Spring 2025: December 1, Summer 2025: May 1, Fall 2025: July 15

Educational Media - Spring 2025: December 1, Summer 2025: May 1, Fall 2025: July 15

Educational Specialist - Spring 2025: December 1, Summer 2025: May 1, Fall 2025: July 15

  • Ed.S. in Instructional Leadership (summer semester admission only - March 15 application deadline)

Alumni Testimonials

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for the Educator Excellence Scholarship, candidates must:

  • meet current admission standards for a teacher education program that leads to certification
  • be admitted to a graduate teacher education program that leads to advanced certification*
  • be in good standing with the University, including academic and financial accounting.
  • be enrolled in classes prior to the start of the term.
  • accept award in JagSpot. (You will receive an email with instructions after admission.)
*Candidates must have a valid Alabama Professional Educator certificate and be admitted into an approved program leading to a Class A or Class AA certificate. The Educational Media and Technology program is also part of the scholarship program. School Counseling is not part of the program at this time.

Additional Regulations

  • Applies only to courses in enrolled program.
  • Does not apply to repeated coursework.
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA.
  • Eligible for six consecutive semesters.

It is highly recommended students complete 15 credit hours in their first three semesters.

Scholarship Eligible Programs

Degrees Pay Off - Pay Increases

Class A Certification
Bachelor's to Master's
Class A Certification

0-3 years experience
+$6,501

4-6 years experience
+$7,153

7-9 years experience
+$7,465

Class AA Certification
Master's to Specialist
Class AA Certification

0-3 years experience
+$3,904

4-6 years experience
+$4,292

7-9 years experience
+$4,497

National Board Certification
National Board Certification

$5,000 annually

Elective courses available for National Board Certification support.

 

To see the most updated ALSDE salary schedule for teachers, click here.

Additional Funding Opportunities

 

For more information, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies - (251) 380-2630 or ceps@southalabama.edu