MOSES LAKE — The U.S. Department of Education announced Oct. 25 new awards totaling about $115 million to support 29 Teacher and School Leader incentive projects across the country, according to an announcement from the ED.

The TSL grants are intended to help districts address educator shortages by supporting career advancement and teacher leadership opportunities, increasing compensation and improving educator retention, said the statement.

"All students benefit from a diverse and well-supported educator workforce that can prepare them to lead. While all students benefit from diverse teachers, when students of color see their backgrounds and experiences reflected in their teachers, we see higher levels of academic achievement and student engagement in school, and more students aspiring to be teachers themselves one day. That's why attracting, retaining, and supporting a diverse educator workforce is a top priority in our efforts to Raise the Bar for learning conditions in our schools," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "This nearly $115 million investment will help states and school districts recruit and retain new talent, increase compensation, and address educator shortages that we know disproportionately impact students from our communities of color, students from low-income backgrounds, students with disabilities and English learners."

According to the announcement, the 2023 TSL grant competition prioritized activities that advance the ED's goal of promoting educator diversity and career advancement opportunities for teachers that improve teacher retention. The statement said that funding comes at a critical point for school districts as they face significant hurdles in attracting and retaining the qualified educators and other school staff they need to best support students.

For a full list of award recipients, visit ed.gov.