Advancing Public Education

The CTA Foundation for Teaching and Learning combines three areas of support to CTA members: scholarships and grants, Institute for Teaching and the Disaster Relief Fund.

Scholarships & Grants

The CTA Foundation for Teaching and Learning offers scholarships and grants to CTA members continuing their education; dependent children of members, Student CTA members, educators of color entering the profession, and students and teachers who promote civil rights. There are also funds for programs that raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues.

Teacher-Driven Change, Institute for Teaching 

The Institute for Teaching (IFT) works to create better teaching and learning conditions in our public schools, promoting teacher-driven change. 

IFT helps struggling students and schools by awarding innovation grants directly to CTA members and local chapters. By focusing on what current works in our schools and ensuring it has resources, the IFT believes strength-based models for school change add a new dimension to school improvement.

Disaster Relief Fund

The CTA Disaster Relief Fund is a special fund created to provide financial assistance to members who experience significant losses due to natural disasters in California.

NEA Foundation 

Members of CTA and the National Education Association are eligible for grants, scholarships and awards through the NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education.

The NEA Foundation awards close to 200 grants to support educators’ efforts to close the achievement gaps, develop creative learning opportunities for students, and enhance their own professional development. 

The two primary grant categories open to public education professionals are Learning & Leadership grants and Student Success grants.