TEA Don Sahli-Kathy Woodall Scholarships
Offered by Tennessee Education Association
About This Scholarship
The Tennessee Education Association, the state's NEA affiliate, funds the Don Sahli-Kathy Woodall Scholarship Program to grow the next generation of Tennessee educators. The program spreads roughly ten awards across several categories: $2,000 for the Student Tennessee Education Association (STEA) president, $1,500 and two $750 awards for STEA members, $1,000 for a TEA member's child, $1,000 for a Future Teachers of America/Educators Rising high school student, and $1,000 awards for a minority student (Johnella Martin Memorial), a male ethnic minority student (Al Mance Memorial), an education support professional, and a graduate student.
Selection is based on academic excellence, demonstrated leadership ability, economic need, and a demonstrated interest in becoming a teacher. Most categories require either TEA/STEA membership or a family connection to a TEA member, and the high school award goes to a senior planning to major in education.
Applications go through an online form linked from the TEA scholarships page. TEA lists a March 1 application deadline but notes that applications are accepted throughout the year, so students can submit whenever their materials are ready.
Eligibility
- Most categories require TEA or Student TEA (STEA) membership, or being the child of a TEA member
- High school category: senior at a Tennessee high school with a Future Teachers of America/Educators Rising chapter, planning to major in education
- Named memorial awards target minority students (Johnella Martin) and male ethnic minority students (Al Mance)
- Judged on academic excellence, leadership, economic need, and demonstrated interest in becoming a teacher
How To Apply
- Open the application link on TEA's Scholarships and Awards page
- Choose the award category that matches your status (STEA member, TEA member's child, FTA/Educators Rising senior, ESP, or graduate student)
- Complete the online form with your academic record, leadership activities, and financial-need information
- Submit by March 1 for the primary review cycle (applications are accepted throughout the year)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to belong to the union to apply?
Most categories do: awards go to STEA members, TEA members' children, education support professionals, and graduate students with TEA ties. The Future Teachers of America award goes to a Tennessee high school senior in an FTA/Educators Rising chapter.
How much are the awards?
They range from $750 to $2,000 — the STEA president receives $2,000, one STEA member receives $1,500, and most other categories are $1,000.
What if I miss the March 1 deadline?
TEA states that applications are accepted throughout the year, but March 1 is the listed deadline for the annual selection cycle.