Online nonprofit Western Governors University (WGU) is gearing up to honor National Teacher Appreciation Week from May 6 to 10 by launching three scholarship programs tailored for current and prospective education professionals in Alabama who aspire to pursue bachelor's or master's degrees within WGU's Teachers College. This college is recognized as the largest nonprofit, accredited school of education in the nation.

According to a news release from WGU, the Alabama State Department of Education Job Board currently lists more than 1,900 job openings in school districts across the state. In 2023, WGU's Teachers College awarded more than $8 million in scholarships nationwide, marking a significant commitment to helping current and future educators earn their degrees and advance in their careers.

The offerings include the WGU Loves Teachers Scholarship and WGU Become a Teacher Scholarship, each valued at up to $4,000. The WGU Loves Teachers Scholarship aims to assist current teachers in enhancing their classroom proficiency, transitioning into administrative roles, or aiding aspiring educators in attaining the requisite credentials for a rewarding career in education. Conversely, the WGU Become a Teacher Scholarship targets individuals interested in becoming paraprofessionals or classroom aides, or embarking on the journey toward becoming a licensed K–12 educator.

Each scholarship, disbursed at a rate of $1,000 per six-month term, is renewable for up to four terms. Selection criteria for these scholarships include academic performance, financial need, preparedness for online learning at WGU, current competency, and other relevant factors.

In addition, until June 30, WGU is offering an Education Support Professionals Scholarship applicable to any Teachers College degree programs leading to teacher licensure. Valued at up to $5,000, this scholarship presents an exclusive opportunity for paraprofessionals currently employed in K-12 schools to receive tuition assistance along with a stipend for student teaching. The scholarship, distributed at $625 per six-month term and renewable for up to four terms, includes an additional $2,500 stipend designated for the student teaching phase.

"I am proud to have been born and raised in Alabama, so I know firsthand the importance that educators play in setting up future generations for success," said Kimberly Estep, Ph.D., southeast regional director for WGU, in the release. "By providing competency-based, flexible, online degree programs and low, flat-rate tuition, WGU empowers students to progress through their courses as soon as they demonstrate mastery. This enables them to learn while working and graduate with less debt than their peers."

Per the release, WGU currently has nearly 2,300 alumni in the state of Alabama, including more than 500 from the university's Teachers College.

Prospective and newly enrolled WGU students interested in these scholarships can apply for the WGU Loves Teachers Scholarship, WGU Become a Teacher Scholarship and the Education Support Professionals Scholarship by visiting www.wgu.edu before the June 30 deadline. To explore WGU's Teachers College and its academic offerings further, individuals can visit www.wgu.edu/online-teaching-degrees.