District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) will receive over $62 million over five years to help reward, retain, and provide more professional development opportunities to teachers and principals with a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. 

Federal Funding for Highly Effective Teachers

The grant, the Teacher Incentive Fund Grant or TIF, will provide DCPS with significant funds to help ensure that by the end of the 2016-2017 school year, at least 90 percent of DCPS teachers and principals will be Highly Effective or Effective, as determined through the IMPACT evaluation system. Chancellor Kaya Henderson noted, “I want to thank Secretary Duncan for continuing to believe in the important work we’re doing in DC. We are on the rise here at DCPS and I’m truly appreciative of and excited for the work we’ll be able to do with the funds from this grant.”

OSSE Commends DCPS' Commitment to Effective Teaching

As reported by the Washington Informer, Office of the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) Hosanna Jones extended congratulations to Chancellor Kaya Henderson and District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) for receiving a 2012 TIF Grant Award. In a statement issued Sept. 28, Jones said:"Quality education begins in our classrooms and with the highly effective teachers that lead them, and DCPS' selection as a Teacher Incentive Fund Grant Awardee is a testament to DCPS Teacher's success in providing District children access to a world-class public education.

How Funds Will Be Used

Funds from the TIF grant will support:  

• Rigorous, ongoing leadership development training for teacher leaders and principals
• Creation of additional leadership roles for teachers aimed at school turnaround and expansion of performance-based compensation, including the creation of a new salary structure based on effectiveness for principals and assistant principals. 

The $62 million over five years is more than any of the 34 other grantees.