Six Florida School Districts Win $66 Million in Competitive Grants to Reward Educators

Friday, September 28, 2012

DOE Press Office (850) 245-0413

Six Florida School Districts Win $66 Million in Competitive Grants to Reward Educators

Tallahassee, Fla., September 28, 2012 - Six Florida school districts will get more than $66 million from the U.S. Department of Education to recognize effective teachers and principals. The 2012 Teacher Incentive Fund grants will pay for increased salaries and training for educators who work in high-poverty schools. Florida had six districts of 35 chosen from across the country.

"We know that successful schools start with talented educators and leaders," said Deputy Chancellor for Educator Quality Kathy Hebda. "I congratulate these districts for being recognized as leaders in this important work, and I am excited to see their plans put into practice."

Districts were encouraged to enhance educator salaries through one of two models-career ladders or performance-based pay with the option for additional job responsibilities. With either model, districts could submit a general proposal or one based on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Florida's proposals were developed with input from teachers and will provide opportunities for teacher leadership and career advancement, put district-wide evaluations in place that use multiple measures including student growth, and use better evaluations to improve decision making.

Florida's winners of the 2012 Teacher Incentive Fund grants are below. Award amounts represent the first two years of funding over a five-year grant period.

For more information, visit the Teacher Incentive Fund.