The Washoe County School District is getting nearly $10 million in grants to help math and science teachers improve instruction.
Sen. Harry Reid announced the grant on Thursday morning which is funded by the U.S. Department of Education through the Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF).
"Nevada schools need effective teachers to help our students succeed," said Reid. "In particular, math and science skills are becoming increasingly important for students. I am pleased that this grant will enable Washoe County School District to invest in math and science teachers who help improve the lives of their students and colleagues."
"Whether urban or rural, traditional or charter, successful schools are not possible without great teaching and leadership," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "Our best teachers and principals are invaluable leaders in changing life outcomes for students. They are desperately needed in our struggling schools, and they deserve to be recognized, rewarded, and given the opportunity to have a greater influence on their colleagues, students, and in their communities."
The Department of Education has awarded a total of $250 million to nearly 1,000 schools nationwide to support other TIF-related efforts.
"The Teacher Incentive Fund called on local leaders to engage teachers in influencing the future of the teaching profession," said Assistant Secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Deb Delisle. "Many more districts will benefit tremendously from an investment in scaling up and securing the talents and abilities of effective teachers and principals within their toughest schools."
The 2012 TIF program encouraged districts to enhance educator compensation systems through one of two models – career ladders or performance-based pay with the option for additional responsibilities. With either model, applicants were able to submit a general proposal or a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) focused proposal.
Twenty-nine winners received funding to create general, district-wide evaluation systems that reward success and drive decision-making on recruiting, retaining, and providing additional responsibilities to great teachers. Among the 29 projects, two grantees – New York City Public Schools and L.A. Unified School District - will pursue compensation systems based around career ladders. Six will focus on developing and supporting excellent science and math teachers.
The 35 winners listed below were selected from a pool of over 120 applications. Award amounts represent the first 2 years of funding over the 5-year grant period. Continued funding is contingent upon congressional action.
For more information on the TIF program and the 2012 grantees, visit: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/teacherincentive/awards.html.
