Education Department Announces $35 Million Competition to Improve Teacher Quality

 Education Department Announces $35 Million Competition to Improve Teacher Quality

Program Aims to Recruit, Prepare, Retain and Support Teachers
with a Focus on Equity, Diversity, and Increasing the Educator Pipeline

The U.S. Department of Education is posting a Notice Inviting Applications for the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) program, which
will award $35 million to bolster teacher preparation programs at the
undergraduate or “fifth-year” level (Pre-Baccalaureate Models), as
well as teaching residency programs for individuals new to teaching that integrate relevant academic content and meaningful clinical experience (Residency Models).

“Across the country, we must continue the necessary work of developing a strong, diverse educator workforce for today and tomorrow,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “High-quality educator preparation programs and teacher residencies are integral to this effort. Effective programs have positive effects
on teacher candidates—including boosting the likelihood that they
will remain in the profession—and they increase the impact that great
teachers have on student learning.”

In keeping with Secretary Cardona’s priorities, this competition also
includes four competitive priorities focused on educator diversity; student social, emotional, and academic needs; and student equitable access to opportunities and resources.

Research shows that high-quality residency models like those in the
TQP program can expand the pool of well-prepared applicants entering the teaching profession, promote diversity of the workforce, and bring a wide range of experiences into the classroom to support students. In addition, the close partnership between school districts and colleges required by the TQP program ensures that preparation
programs are closely aligned with practice. The Biden-Harris Administration believes that support for high-quality residency programs is a critical part of ensuring that all students have access to well-prepared and qualified educators, as these programs produce teachers who are more effective and likely to stay in the profession than less comprehensive pathways.

Applicants are also encouraged to apply for partnership grants for
the establishment of Grow Your Own (GYO) Programs. The Biden-Harris Administration has called for more investment in high-quality teacher preparation, including GYO programs, to strengthen teacher pipelines and address shortages, and increase and support the growth of teachers. As with teaching residency programs, GYO programs can help address teacher shortages by increasing retention rates while also enhancing educator diversity.

Additionally, the Leadership Program priority in the TQP program
provides an opportunity for applicants to carry out an effective school
leadership program that will prepare individuals for careers as superintendents, principals, early childhood education program directors, or other school leaders.

The Department recognizes the value of supporting educators and is
committed to the providing resources and opportunities that lift up the
educator workforce.

The Notice Inviting Applications is available here.

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