|
October 2025
October Update
Jump to the topic description by clicking the link.
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has $3,395,000 in funding available for competitive grants designed to help develop, sustain, or expand mentorship programs for teachers new to the profession or district, especially teachers of color and teachers who are American Indian, teachers in license shortage areas, teaching residents, and experienced teachers in need of peer coaching. Grants are available to school districts, charter schools, cooperative units, tribally controlled schools, coalitions of teachers, and coalitions of two or more applicants that are individually eligible. Higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and professional organizations are eligible to apply in partnership with districts, schools, or coalitions. This grant was formerly administered by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) and transferred to MDE in the 2025 legislative session.
The FY26 Teacher Mentorship and Retention Grant (TMRG) competition will open on October 15, 2025. Visit MDE competitive grant opportunities webpage for more information about the request for proposals, including application materials and timelines when the grant opens.
On Tuesday, October 21, from 1 to 2 p.m., we will be hosting an information session about the grant opportunity. This webinar will be recorded and sent to registrants for viewing after the session.
Register for the FY26 TMRG Information Session.
For assistance with questions about the information session, or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Chris Ramadan.
Back to top
The Educator Workforce and Development Center is seeking individuals who would be willing to share their time and talents to serve as a grant reviewer for the Teacher Mentorship and Retention Grant competition.
Reviewers can learn more about the innovative and intentional induction programming happening in Minnesota while getting experience navigating the grant review process.
This volunteer opportunity asks reviewers for an estimated five to eight hours during December, depending on the number of applications.
If you are interested in reviewing for this grant opportunity, please contact Chris Ramadan.
If you are applying for this grant, you are not eligible to review. However, you could serve as a reviewer for other grant opportunities focusing on the educator workforce.
To volunteer for other opportunities, contact our team at mde.workforcecenter@state.mn.us.
Back to top
MDE Teacher Residency Program Grant is available to teacher preparation providers (TPP) that meet PELSB definition of a teacher residency. This may include Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs (RTAP).
Two types of grants will be offered:
- One for TPP developing new RTAP or residency programs
- One for TPP currently implementing RTAP or residency programs
The grant application is now open to teacher preparation providers. All applications must be submitted by October 24, 2025. A total of $6 million in funding will be available for FY26 and 27. Information about the Teacher Residency Program Grant is available on MDE grants webpage.
Back to top
Interested in learning more about teacher residencies or RTAP? Already implementing one and looking for advice or collaboration? Join MDE Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Specialist, Emily Busta, for monthly Office Hours dedicated to supporting your work.
These sessions offer an informal space for apprenticeship sponsors, teacher preparation providers, and school districts to discuss current efforts, share ideas, and ask questions about teacher residencies and RTAP. Office hours will be held in a virtual meeting room, making it easy to join the discussion.
Upcoming Office Hours:
- October 21 from 10 to 11 a.m.
- November 19 from 1 to 2 p.m.
- December 15 from 2 to 3 p.m.
- January 22 from 9 to 10 a.m.
- February 19 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- March 12 from 10 to 11 a.m.
- April 21 from 2 to 3 p.m.
- May 11 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Mark your calendars and plan to join the conversation!
Access the virtual meeting room.
Questions about Teacher Residency Program and RTAP Office Hours? Please contact Emily Busta.
Back to top
|
