Grants now available to support professional learning for educators

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June 15, 2020

GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING FOR EDUCATORS

Grant will provide opportunity to support educator learning and retention 

The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) is offering up to twelve $15,000 grants to support educator retention through learning communities using professional growth plans (PGPs). View our informational packet to learn more about the grant.

Priority will be given to grantees who are:

  • Supporting educators from underrepresented groups
  • Equipping educators to provide trauma-sensitive support to students from marginalized communities
  • Creating learning communities that include paraeducators

What is a PGP?

PGPs are job-embedded, self-directed professional development. Educators set goals aligned to standards, design an action plan, collect evidence, and reflect. PGPs for certificate renewal are eligible for 25 clock hours. Learn more about PGPs on our website.

How do PGPs support educator retention?

Professional growth plans (PGPs) can serve as an innovative retention strategy. Because competency based learning requires the educator to apply and demonstrate skills, the educators often internalize their new learning in a way they do not with traditional professional development. This learning can inspire growth within the educator’s existing role, or growth within the educator field. 

Focus areas

Learning communities and PGPs will focus on:

  • Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
  • Providing instruction in a virtual environment

Who may apply? 

Washington State school districts, ESDs, approved clock hour providers, and Washington higher education institutions. If individual educators are interested in participating in this grant, they should communicate their interest to one of these organizations.

How can grant funds be used?

Compensation, substitutes and release time, grant-related efforts and programming. 

When is the application due?

Grant applications are due by Wednesday, August 19, 2020. View the application.

Attend an informational webinar

PESB will host an information webinar on Friday, June 26 from 2 to 3 p.m. to provide organizations interested in applying for the grant an overview of the application process. Register to attend.

Questions? 

Contact: