The State Department of Education is giving more schools grant money to help teachers achieve better outcomes in the classroom.
Education officials are awarding 85 schools $2.6 million in Reimagining Professional Learning grants for this school year. Last year, more than $541,000 in grants went to 32 schools.
The Delaware Department of Education opened up the application process to districts statewide because it was able to secure additional funding.
Grantees plan to use the money in various ways, such as creating trauma-informed teaching strategies, cultivating professional learning communities and hiring learning coaches.
DOE staffer Alyssa Moore said what’s unique about these grants is the level of support the state provides to grant recipients.
“There’s a liaison from the department assigned to each district and or building and throughout the school year, we provide embedded support, help with whatever needs arise in the way they’re implementing their grant or need to make changes mid-course,” she said.
The 85 schools represent 16 districts, four charters, and two state schools for youthful offenders.
Kathy Kelly with DOE said they’ll mentor teachers throughout the year as those initiatives are implemented.
“Ultimately the efforts will impact and increase opportunities and outcomes for our students,” she said.
During the program’s past four years, more than $1.1 million went to initiatives in 74 schools. The increased funding this year is expected to continue for the next three years.
