WGU Launches New Teacher Appreciation Scholarships for Teachers

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, which runs May 2-6, Western Governors University (WGU) has launched a new scholarship for current and aspiring teachers in Iowa who are seeking a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education. The WGU Loves Teachers Scholarships are available to new students who are pursuing an AAQEP and CAEP-accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree from the online, nonprofit university’s top-ranked Teacher’s College, or are interested in completing one of the university’s post-baccalaureate or endorsement-preparation programs. Applications can be submitted online at wgu.edu/teacherappreciation through June 30. The university is planning on awarding up to $200,000 in scholarships.

The WGU Loves Teachers Scholarships are designed to assist aspiring teachers in obtaining the required credentials for a rewarding career as an educator and to help current teachers improve their skill set in the classroom or move into administration. Each scholarship is valued at up to $4,000 and will be applied at the rate of $1,000 per six-month term, for up to four consecutive terms.

“As teacher shortages continue to impact schools and learning across the country, it’s more important than ever we show appreciation for all the teachers who are working tirelessly to educate our children,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Regional Vice President of Western Governors University. “As we celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week, we recognize how valuable our educators are and are proud to support them through this scholarship offering. We hope that by lessening the financial burden associated with going back to school, we can help current and aspiring educators to further their education and accomplish their career goals.”

WGU’s competency-based learning model provides students in the education profession with the flexibility to complete courses on their schedule, with 24/7 online access to learning materials and the ability to take tests as soon as they master the material. This competency-based approach allows students to use their prior experience and training to help them move quickly through material they already know and focus on what they still need to learn, allowing them to graduate faster and at a lower cost.

To learn more about WGU’s Teachers College and its academic programs, visit wgu.edu/online-teaching-degrees.

About WGU
Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 132,000 students nationwide and has more than 272,000 graduates. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 25 years, the university has become a leading influence in the development of innovative workforce-focused approaches to education. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.