2025 New Teacher Scholarship Recipients

Future teachers can find an affordable and flexible path to the classroom through American Board’s certification program. We work to make teacher certification more accessible for career changers, paraprofessionals, and others ready to lead in the classroom. Each year during Teacher Appreciation Week, American Board awards five full-ride scholarships to future educators through our New Teacher Scholarship program. This initiative is our way of giving back—supporting individuals who are ready to step into the classroom and make a lasting difference.

The scholarship covers the full cost of American Board’s online teacher certification program, allowing recipients to earn their teaching license in a flexible and affordable way. Applicants submit a brief statement explaining why they want to become a teacher, and a selection committee chooses five outstanding individuals based on their passion, purpose, and commitment to students.

2025 Teacher Appreciation Week Scholarship Recipients

Logan Moose – Math, Missouri

Logan brings a deep awareness of the value of learning in today’s world. “It seems like every day we are inching closer to a society where the desire to learn is not something to be proud of,” he wrote. “I can think of no better way to help combat that bleak future than becoming a teacher.” Upon learning that he was a scholarship recipient, Logan stated, “I am incredibly grateful and honored that I was picked for this scholarship. I look forward to making good on your investment in me!” Given that less than one quarter of U.S. teachers are male, we’re honored to support Logan on his path to the classroom—helping change that statistic one teacher at a time.

Chloe Carter – Special Education, Wisconsin

Chloe is committed to supporting students with special needs. “Kids do well if they can,” she shared. “I’m committed to providing the support and resources they need to overcome challenges and succeed.” According to a recent survey, nearly 80 percent of schools struggle to fill their Special Education teacher vacancies. For this reason and more, why we’re thrilled to support Chloe.

Keara O’Brien – Elementary Education, Missouri

A deep sense of purpose and inspiration from her brother fuels Keara’s journey. “He pushes me to grow and become the best version of myself,” she said. “His influence reminds me of the incredible impact one person can have—and that’s the kind of teacher I hope to be.” While Black students make of 15 percent of the population, only 6 percent of teachers are Black. We know representation matters and teachers like Keara can help right that imbalance.

Jordyn Kadlub – Chemistry, Mississippi

Jordyn shaped her path to teaching through the influence of her high school Chemistry teacher, her experience as a Division I athlete, and her family’s legacy in education. “I want to inspire students the way my teacher once inspired me,” she wrote. Jordyn plans to bring that same energy and leadership to science classrooms in Mississippi. She continues, “I’m committed to making a meaningful impact—not only in the classroom but also on the ball field and in the lives of the students I’ll have the privilege to work with. I’m excited to begin this journey and contribute in ways that inspire growth, confidence, and lifelong learning in young people.”

Brent Clayson – Elementary Education, Idaho

Brent believes in unlocking every child’s potential. “I think every child deserves the opportunity to know that they can learn anything they want to,” he said. His future students will benefit from a teacher who centers learning, growth, and encouragement. The fact that only one in four teachers are men is already surprising, but the numbers are even more stark in elementary education—only one in ten elementary teachers are male. Brent will help combat that point.

Inspiring Results from Past Scholarship Recipients

These new recipients follow in the footsteps of educators like Steven, who received the Teacher Appreciation Week scholarship in 2024. He completed the American Board program and now teaches in his own classroom. His journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with determination and support.

Read more about Steven’s experience here: https://www.americanboard.org/blog/teacher-scholarship-winner-stevens-experience/

Start Your Journey to the Classroom

American Board offers working adults, career changers, and paraprofessionals an affordable, flexible path to the classroom—without requiring them to return to college or go into debt. In fact, we strive to be the lowest-cost path to certification in your state. Join the thousands of educators who have earned certification through American Board’s always affordable program. Learn more at www.americanboard.org.

How the American Board Program Works

Whether you receive a New Teacher Scholarship through American Board, or enroll in our always affordable program, you’ll certify but completing the steps below.

• Enroll online with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Study at your own pace using online learning tools and practice exams
• Pass two required exams to demonstrate subject and professional teaching knowledge
• Receive your certification and begin your teaching journey in an approved state

New Teacher Scholarship FAQs

• Can I get a teaching degree for free? It’s unlikely you can get a degree for free. But there are some lower-cost degree programs out there. Learn more here. If you’ve already earned a degree in a subject other than education, an alternative certification program is likely the best and most affordable route for you.
• Are there affordable teacher certification options? Yes! If you already hold a degree, look into the alternative certification routes available in your state. Most are entirely online and self-paced, and cost a fraction of what you’d spend on a university certification program.