U.S. Department of Education Announces Teacher Incentive Grant (Pay for Performance) Competition

This week the U.S. Department of Education made $437 million in Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF) grant applications available for school districts, non profits and states. According to the Department, the goal of this large grant investment is to support local projects that reward teachers, principals, and other school personnel who are successful in their efforts to improve student achievement.  States, districts and non-profits partnering with states or districts are eligible to apply. Applications are due July 6th and grants will be awarded in September 2010.

TIF began in 2006 and currently supports 33 grant sites in 18 states and has been implemented in 109 school districts, including charter school districts. The current program impacts approximately 55,000 teachers and 2,500 principals.
Over the past year, CEC has examined how incentive and differentiated pay systems should address professionals who work with students with disabilities and/or those with gifts and talents. CEC solicited member input through its Representative Assembly, Children and Youth Action Network Coordinators, and from an expert advisory workgroup. CEC commented during the public comment period on this application and asked the Department to incentivize applicants to address the unique issues raised by including special and gifted educators in these performance pay systems. CEC also included several of its recommendations on this in its ESEA Reauthorization Recommendations.
These funds are available through both the ARRA and the FY 2010 appropriations.  Program is a new applicant.  The estimated range of awards is between $5,000,000- $10,000,000 and the Department expects to award approximately 40-80 grants. The notice inviting applications and the application package can be found on DOE’s website.

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CEC solicited member input through its Representative Assembly, Children and Youth Action Network Coordinators, and from an expert advisory workgroup.