On May 20, 2010 Secretary Duncan announced that $437 Million will be distributed in September to school districts, non-profits and states.  These grants will  be awarded in the form of Teacher Incentive Funding (TIF) Grants to support local projects that reward teachers, principals and other school personnel who improve student achievement. 

"Applicants for these funds must meet TIF program and eligibility requirements including:

  • Program must reward teachers and principals that improve student achievement using fair and transparent evaluations based on multiple measures including student growth.
  • Program must demonstrate that there is a high level of local educator support and involvement.
  • Program must demonstrate that there is a plan for financial sustainability after the 5 year grant award period.
  • Programs must demonstrate that they are implementing performance based compensation as part of a coherent and integrated strategy for strengthening the educator workforce.
  • Program must serve high needs schools…"

Full U. S. Department of Education Press Release:  click here