Arkansas public-school employees looking to advance their careers or move into the classroom have a new opportunity this year through the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association’s 2026 grants program.
The ARTA Grants Program offers two types of awards aimed at supporting professional growth in public education.
The Parsons-Burnett Grant is available to certified personnel and is designed to help educators further their own education. The grants may be used for coursework leading to an advanced degree, certification or endorsement.
The Mitchell-Fair Grant is offered to classified personnel seeking to obtain an Arkansas teaching license.
Each grant is worth $2,000 and will be awarded through a competitive application process. The number of awards will depend on the volume of applications received and the availability of funds.
Applications must be submitted online through March 31, 2026.
The ARTA Grants Program is funded through contributions from members of the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association, a professional membership organization representing retired public educators across the state.
More information about ARTA and the grants program, including a link to the application, is available at www.artanow.com.

