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.)
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
- Early Childhood Education (online)
- Early Childhood Education with Reading (online)
- Elementary Education (online)
- Elementary Education with Reading (online)
- Educational Leadership for K-12 Administration (online)
- Educational Media and Technology (online)
- Non-teacher certification, but masters program designed for K-12 teachers
- Health Education (6-12)
- Library Media (online)
- Music Education (Master of Music)
- Physical Education (P-12)
- Reading Specialist (online)
- Secondary Education
- Special Education K-6 or 6-12 (online)
*Alternative programs leading to initial certification and the School Counseling program are ineligible.
Degrees Pay Off - Pay Increases
Class A Certification
0-3 years experience
+$6,501
4-6 years experience
+$7,153
7-9 years experience
+$7,465
Class AA Certification
0-3 years experience
+$3,904
4-6 years experience
+$4,292
7-9 years experience
+$4,497
$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