Increasing the Number of Certified Teachers in Philadelphia

Background

Research shows that diverse, well-trained teachers are positively related to student achievement, higher graduation rates, school attendance, and post-secondary completion.

However, diverse and well-trained teachers are in short supply, particularly in Philadelphia. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, more than 15,000 in-state certifications were issued during the 2010-11 school year. By 2021-22, that number had dropped to approximately 4,200. Nationally and locally, Black, Hispanic, Asian, and other teachers of color are underrepresented compared to the population of students they serve. In Philadelphia schools, 86% of students identify as people of color, while only 32% of teachers do.

In order to increase the likelihood of student success in Philadelphia, we are focusing on increasing the percentage of certified, diverse teachers. We are seeking to support projects and programs that research and experience show will be most effective in making progress on the objective above.

Opportunity Overview

WPF will support efforts that will increase the percentage of teachers in Philadelphia who are fully certified. In addition, we will be funding efforts that are most likely to help the teaching force build a racial/ethnic profile that more closely matches the profile of the student body. We will prioritize projects that focus on teachers for grades K-3 but understand that programs may also serve other grade levels.

Funding will be directed toward efforts that help pre-service and in-service teachers to achieve certification and employment in Philadelphia public schools or help to retain certified teachers in Philadelphia public schools. These efforts may include improving teacher education, recruiting, retention, passing of certification requirements, mentoring, securing loan forgiveness, more supportive policies, or many other possibilities.

Please note: tuition scholarships, loan repayment, and independent research/data analysis projects are not eligible for funding under this RFP.

We are requesting proposals for up to three years of funding. After reviewing proposals, WPF will conduct site visits and gather additional information from a limited number of organizations.

Organizations that propose projects in partnership with other applicants will be considered on their individual merits. However, the Foundation recognizes that making significant progress on the objective is difficult and encourages organizations to include partnerships that leverage complementary strengths, resources, and expertise to reach proposed goals.

Furthermore, the Foundation recognizes that there are many different tactics or approaches that could be used to advance the objective stated above. All proposals that meet the review criteria described below are encouraged.

WPF has $6 million available to advance this objective at this time. There is no minimum or maximum amount of funding that organizations may request. The grant amount requested should be commensurate with the contribution that the project will make to the overall objective. However, grant requests under $1 million will be most competitive.

Full Request for Proposals (RFP) and Application 

Download the full RFP packet for more information about this opportunity including eligibility, review criteria, learning and evaluation, budget, and link to an application template.

All applications must be submitted through the Grants Portal.

Webinar

An informational webinar took place on December 12, 2024: