Increasing the Number of Certified Teachers in Philadelphia Public Schools
If an application has already been started in response to this RFP, please visit the Proposals in Progress section in the Grants Portal to view and/or continue the application process.
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, over 86% of students identify as people of color, while only 38.6% of teachers do.
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
The Foundation seeks to support efforts that will increase the percentage of teachers in Philadelphia public schools (district and charter schools) 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 pre-k-4, but understand that programs may also serve teachers of other grade levels.
Funding will be directed toward efforts that help pre-service and in-service teachers, as well as high school students, community college students, career changers, or other adults to achieve full teacher certification and employment in Philadelphia public schools or help to retain currently certified teachers in Philadelphia public schools. These efforts may include:
- Recruiting individuals into the teaching profession through traditional educator preparation or alternative preparation pathways;
- Improving educator preparation programs to increase teacher effectiveness and completion rates;
- Streamlining placement and hiring in Philadelphia public schools;
- Supporting emergency-permitted teachers to pass certification requirements;
- Activities to retain high performing certified teachers, including mentoring, securing loan forgiveness, or other possibilities.
Please note: under this RFP, the Foundation will not consider proposals to support the following:
- Individual tuition scholarships
- Loan repayment
- Professional development that is not related to teacher certification
- Independent research/data analysis
- Support for teachers working outside of Philadelphia public schools
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.
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 $4.5 million available to advance this objective through this RFP. While there is no minimum or maximum amount of funding that organizations may request, proposals under $1 million will be most competitive. The grant amount requested should be commensurate with the contribution that the project will make to the overall objective.
Full Request for Proposals (RFP) and Application
Download the full RFP packet for more information about this opportunity including eligibility, review criteria, learning and insights, budget, and link to an application template.
All applications must be submitted through the Grants Portal.
Webinar
Interested organizations are invited to participate in an optional informational webinar on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 11:00AM ET.
Following the live webinar, a recording will be posted to this page.