Awards

Edwyna Wheadon Postgraduate Training Scholarship

2024 Scholarship Recipient

Michael Watson

Inspired by his grandmother, a lifelong educator, Michael Watson completed his undergraduate studies in English and Secondary Education at Murray State University and began teaching English and coaching tennis in Clarksville, Tenn. After three years, he moved to Nashville to continue teaching and coaching, and received a master’s in literature from Belmont University in 2013. Currently, he teaches literature in the International Baccalaureate Program at Franklin High School and is pursuing an Education Specialist Degree at the University of Maine. When not working, Michael spends time with his wife, Selina, and their one-year-old daughter, Heidi, and enjoys reading, hiking, tennis, and traveling.

“I come from a family of educators, so to receive a scholarship in honor of Edwyna Wheadon, who dedicated her life to education, means a great deal to me beyond the financial reward. My grandmother was a high school teacher for over thirty years, and my aunt was a teacher, a librarian, a principal and eventually a superintendent. Supposedly, my great-great grandfather taught in a one-room schoolhouse. My mom also teaches safety, so I come from a family of educators, and they will be very happy to hear this news. Also, this award will help alleviate some of the financial cost of my EDS degree. My wife is a nurse, and daycare—as you may know—is quite expensive. This award will help ease the financial burden on us this year as we continue to work toward our goals. So, this scholarship does mean a lot to me financially, but it also means a lot to me spiritually and emotionally, as it reminds me of my grandmother and her dedication to education. I was very close with my grandmother growing up, and I still miss her to this day and wish she were here to share this with. I want to sincerely thank the Wheadon family for providing this opportunity.”

Nomination Deadline: February 15

Please note increased award amount! The award now carries a $1,200 benefit.

Purpose:
To provide funding for professional development experiences for English/language arts teachers working in public educational institutions. The scholarship supports postgraduate training to enhance teaching skills and/or career development in teaching.

Eligibility:
Applicants are required to be teachers of English/language arts in a publicly funded

institution. At the time of the award, the recipient must also be a member of NCTE.

Criteria:
Applicants must complete the application form below. It includes a written statement of no more than 500 words indicating:

• The professional development experience for which you seek support, including specific details such as course titles, planned dates of study, fees, etc.
• Why you feel that you should be considered for this scholarship and how it will serve you in your career.

Scholarship Specifics:
The award amount has increased beginning with the 2024 award cycle thanks to the generosity of the Wheadon family. Edwyna Wheadon was a longtime member of NCTE and was active in the Houston Council of Teachers of English affiliate. During her lifetime, Ms. Wheadon established a scholarship program for teachers in the Houston area who desired to continue their professional development. Upon her passing in 2002, Ms. Wheadon’s family established the Edwyna Wheadon Postgraduate Training Scholarship Fund at NCTE to honor her enduring passion for supporting the career-long education of classroom teachers. The Scholarship Fund is a memorial to her vision, ideas, and work.

A $1,200 scholarship is awarded once each year. On behalf of the recipient, scholarship payments are issued directly to any of the following: accredited, degree-granting public and private two-year junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and graduate and professional schools. Scholarship payments may be used toward degree or non-degree courses.

Applicants will be informed of the committee’s decision by April 1 so that the awardee can benefit from proposed activities during the following semester.

Questions about the scholarship can be emailed to NCTEAwards@ncte.org.