Learn how we support teachers throughout their residency and fellowship journeys with the Educator Academy’s Teacher Support Fund.
At The Educator Academy, we strive to develop teachers into effective, compassionate, and antiracist educators who work to ensure kids receive a quality education. We do this by equipping teachers with the tools, training, and resources they need to succeed. But sometimes, life’s unexpected challenges can create barriers that even the best training can’t prepare for.
That’s where the Teacher Support Fund comes in—a vital resource that directly supports our residents, fellows, and graduates when they face financial hardships as they work through our programs. This fund embodies the heart of our mission: to recruit, cultivate, support, and retain a diverse network of empowered and effective educators.
What Is the Teacher Support Fund?
The Teacher Support Fund is a financial safety net available to our residents, fellows, and graduates. These rigorous programs are a full-time commitment, as participants earn their certification, teach in classrooms, and complete coursework. Many are balancing their professional growth with personal challenges like managing family needs or handling unforeseen expenses.
The support fund is supported entirely through fundraising efforts. Each year, our generous community of donors helps us replenish the fund, ensuring that we can continue to provide this essential support to keep our teachers in the classroom. Donations to the Teacher Support Fund are a direct way to impact the lives of teachers and, by extension, the students and communities they serve.
How Does It Work?
The Educator Academy program participants can apply for financial assistance through the Teacher Support Fund. We understand that every teacher’s situation is unique, so funds are disbursed based on demonstrated need, whether for housing, transportation, medical emergencies, or other critical expenses.
Here are some examples of how funds can be used:
- $50 – Help with transportation, medical needs, or food insecurity
- $125 – Provide emergency housing or utility assistance
- $250 – Alleviate the burden of rising childcare costs
- $500 – Offer mental health and wellness support, including counseling services
By addressing their immediate needs, the Teacher Support Fund allows these teachers to focus on their students and professional growth, fostering stability and success both inside and outside the classroom.
The Teacher Support Fund’s Impact in Numbers
On average, 20 incidents are addressed each year through the Teacher Support Fund, with an average of $23,000 disbursed annually. These funds often bridge the gap during moments of crisis, allowing our participants to focus on what they do best: educating and inspiring the next generation.
Oftentimes, residents and fellows who join our programs switch careers to pursue their passion for teaching and embrace financial challenges as part of their journey. One resident shares:
“Switching careers mid-life has its challenges, especially financially! With the decreased income, things have been really tight. I had to give some things up to ensure I could pay my bills; one of those things was therapy. I am grateful our program prioritizes mental health and thanks to EA’s generosity, I was able to catch up on bills and return to a consistent therapy schedule. I need to be whole in order to cultivate whole students!”
Other program participants experience unexpected expenses like car trouble or medical bills. Another support fund recipience expresses their gratitude:
“Having access to this support kept me with my students after a car accident. Being able to see them every day as they continue to learn and grow is the best outcome I could ask for, and I’m incredibly grateful for the funds that let me keep teaching and growing with them.”
The Teacher Support Fund is a lifeline to allow residents, fellows and graduates to complete their programs and stay in the teaching profession, where they can impact countless lives of their students.
“The Educator Academy’s financial support is a gift that nurtures not only the dreams of future teachers, but the hearts of those we inspire, creating a ripple of hope and possibility that extends far beyond the classroom,” shares Cohort 9 Resident and Support Fund Recipient Loutisha.
How You Can Help
When you donate to the Teacher Support Fund, you’re not just giving money—you’re providing peace of mind, stability, and hope to the teachers who dedicate their lives to shaping future generations.
Every dollar makes a difference. Your support ensures that our teachers can remain focused on their classrooms and students, even during life’s toughest moments.
While we highlight fundraising efforts for the Teacher Support Fund during campaigns like Giving Tuesday, your support is welcome and needed all year long. Every contribution, no matter the time of year, helps us provide essential assistance to the teachers in our program.
If you’re interested in making a donation to the Teacher Support Fund outside of Giving Tuesday, please contact our Development Team. They will be happy to answer your questions, provide additional information about the fund, or guide you through the donation process.
Your generosity ensures that our residents, fellows, and graduates can continue their incredible work in classrooms across our community. Thank you for making a difference!