“Without the additional financial support which the scholarship provides, I would not be able to stay enrolled in school at this time due to extenuating circumstances. The scholarship has enabled me to continue in pursuance of a goal which I set for myself a long time ago. I am very grateful for the support.”

“Receiving the scholarship helps ease the guilt of using money that could otherwise go to my kids' education, rather than my own.”

“[Receiving the scholarship] was an affirmation that I had made a good choice and that I was a good candidate to be a teacher. My interest was to work in a Title I school with a high Latino population, so getting the scholarship was an extra boost to pursue that goal.”

“Receiving the scholarship was very helpful financially and solidified my direction, which was to work in a high-need school.”

“Filling out the application helped me realize why I would want to work in a high-need school. It's helped give me direction.”

“Receiving the QQAT scholarship has reinforced my desire to work in a high-need school or district.  It is wonderful to have the additional support.”

“Parents in a [high-need school] are ready to feel that you are an advocate for their kids, and they're really appreciative of what you're offering.”

“There are so many high-need schools and districts, that I don't think it will be a problem to fulfill the service requirement. Working in a high-need school is what I wanted to do anyway – I think I can have more of an impact working with high-need kids. It's my chance to give back.”

“I would not have been able to complete my continuing license without the availability of this stipend. Funds are so tight now and this has made the process much easier for me.”

“It made it more accessible, easier.”

“There is little doubt in my mind that I would not have been able to finish my continuing teaching license as expeditiously, without the support of the scholarship.  Because I did not have to take a part time job, I was able to invest myself in the portfolio incorporating electronic technology – which I first had to learn and master, before being able to complete the portfolio.  As it is, I now have a portfolio that is on disc, as well as paper and can easily transport its contents anywhere in the world in seconds!  I am awaiting TSPC's word that I have indeed received my continuing teaching license.”

about the benefit to students…

“[The scholarship/stipend] has provided both the support and motivation for students who need to be working on their CTL. With many districts eliminating or reducing staff development funds, this resource has been very important to these new teachers struggling with student loans and beginning level salaries.”

“Having the availability of the OQAT II grant has made the journey of the CTL more palatable and positive for these students.  They are able to focus more on their growth process as a teacher than the financial burden of the program.”

“Being able to provide scholarships to graduate students has assisted us in retaining a strong pool of teacher candidates. It has also opened windows of opportunity for students to pursue their interest in teaching in schools of high risk and of high poverty. We also believe that we can use these scholarships to attract a more diverse student population into the teaching profession.”

about the benefit to the university…

“[OQAT II] has provided us with a positive message as we approach our grads, and has increased the interest of students in continuing their CTL programs.”

“The grant assists the University in pursuing its continued goal of attracting a more diverse student population.  It allows the University to provide financial aid to students in the form of grants instead of loans. This then allows the financial aid department to extend funds that may have been awarded to these candidates to others.”

Two teachers who have completed their pre-service or in-service training expressed appreciation for OQAT II support :

“I feel very fortunate to have received the OQAT II scholarship.  When I entered into the teaching profession, I knew that I wanted to work in a high-need area.  When the opportunity arose to apply for a scholarship, I knew that I had to pursue it.  The scholarship helped relieve a financial burden on my part and allowed me to focus on my goal of becoming an educator.  I hope that the OQAT II scholarship will encourage future educators to enter into the rewarding world of working in a high-need school.”    

“Although I had the family support that would have allowed me to continue my program at Western Baptist College, I was thrilled to hear that I had received the scholarship.  I have a huge amount of student loans to pay off and this would save me from paying $2000 that I don't have.  I have a wonderful job now with a low-income school, which was where I felt called in the first place and I am blessed to have a job so quickly after graduation.”