The Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers: Requirements and Opportunities

Teaching stands as one of the most pivotal professions, serving as the bedrock upon which all other professions are built. Educators shape the future. However, a significant portion of parents express reservations about encouraging their children to pursue teaching careers, and the number of college students interested in teaching has reached a historic low. According to the 2022 Charles Butt Foundation Public Perception Poll, only 57 percent of Texas parents would like to see their child teach in public schools.

The Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers aims to inspire and support Texas's most promising students to pursue teaching careers through the state's top university-based teacher preparation programs.

Overview of the Charles Butt Scholarship

The Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers is designed to encourage and support the state’s most promising students to pursue a career in teaching through one of the state’s best university-based teacher preparation programs.

Key Features

Financial Support: The scholarship provides financial assistance to help cover the costs associated with teacher preparation programs.
Professional Development: The Charles Butt Foundation offers ongoing professional learning opportunities for Scholars.
Partner Universities: The scholarship is available at specific programs within 27 partner universities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Charles Butt Scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria and demonstrate a commitment to teaching in Texas public schools.

Commitment to Teaching in Texas Public Schools

Applicants must be committed to teaching in the Texas public school system in either a Title 1 or majority economically disadvantaged school, or in a priority subject area (math, science, special education, or bilingual).

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Exemplifying Knowledge, Skills, and Values

Applicants must exemplify the knowledge, skills, and values deemed essential for effective teaching.

Specific Program Enrollment

Students must be enrolled in specific programs at one of the 27 partner universities. Each university has its own unique deadline and program requirements.

Specific Eligibility Example: B.S. Program

For instance, students in the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program with an undergraduate major in Education - Early Childhood to Grade 6/English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher certification may be eligible.

Requirements for B.S. Program Eligibility

Declared Education Major: Applicants must be declared as an Education Major with one of the following specializations:
- EC-6 ESL (residency and non-residency)
- Middle School
- Secondary (residency only)
- Special Education (residency only)
Field-Based Block Readiness: Applicants must be ready to take their Field-based Block (RDG 3315, RDG 3321, CI 4325) in Fall 2023 or later.

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Residency Program Commitment: Applicants must be committed to taking their Field-based Block and Clinical Teaching in the Residency program.
Residency Program Details: Residency is a full-year experience that combines coursework, Elementary Field-based Block, and Clinical Teaching at one school. Residency locations currently include Lockhart ISD, San Marcos CISD, Manor ISD, and Hutto ISD.

Application Process

The application process for the Charles Butt Foundation Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers for the 2025-26 cycle is now open.

Application Information

Application Availability: Applications are currently being accepted for the 2025-26 cycle.
Partner Universities: The scholarship is offered at specific programs at each of the 27 partner universities.
University-Specific Deadlines: Each university has a unique application deadline. This information can be found on the Charles Butt Foundation website and the respective university pages.

Benefits of the Scholarship

The Charles Butt Scholarship offers significant benefits to aspiring teachers, helping them overcome financial barriers and providing ongoing professional development opportunities.

Financial Assistance

The scholarship provides financial support to cover the costs of tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. This can significantly reduce the financial burden on students pursuing a career in teaching.

Professional Growth

The Charles Butt Foundation offers ongoing professional learning opportunities for Scholars. These opportunities include workshops, conferences, and mentorship programs designed to enhance teaching skills and knowledge.

Addressing the Teacher Shortage

The Charles Butt Scholarship plays a crucial role in addressing the teacher shortage in Texas, particularly in critical subject areas and economically disadvantaged schools.

Encouraging Future Educators

By providing financial support and professional development opportunities, the scholarship encourages more students to consider a career in teaching. This helps to increase the pool of qualified teachers available to Texas public schools.

Supporting High-Need Areas

The scholarship prioritizes applicants who are committed to teaching in Title 1 or majority economically disadvantaged schools, or in priority subject areas such as math, science, special education, and bilingual education. This helps to address the specific needs of these high-need areas.

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