McKenzie Snow, Director of Iowa Department of Education | Iowa Department Of Education
The Iowa Department of Education has announced a new round of competitive grants totaling $8 million to support school districts in identifying and rewarding teachers who accelerate student learning. The Teachers Accelerating Learning grant aims to recognize teaching excellence and help districts attract and retain high-performing educators.
All public school districts in Iowa that commit to developing and implementing a methodology for identifying teachers who advance student learning beyond one year’s growth are eligible to apply. According to the department, this second round expands eligibility to 25% of teachers, up from 10% in the initial round, and increases supplemental pay amounts up to $15,000 per educator compared with $2,500 previously.
To participate, districts must use objective and transparent measures of effectiveness, including incorporating the Education Visualization and Analytics Solution (EVAAS) growth visualization tool as a key component for grades 4-8. Districts are also required to take part in state training opportunities focused on using data to support both teachers and students.
Applications for the Teachers Accelerating Learning grant will be accepted through IowaGrants.gov starting August 26, 2025. The deadline for applications is September 19, 2025.
Four school districts—I KM-Manning, Tri-Center, Van Meter, and Okoboji—were awarded funding during the first pilot round of these grants. Each district received about $180,000 to provide supplemental pay for educators during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years.
Funding for this initiative comes from State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/state-and-local-fiscal-recovery-funds).
Additional information is available on the Teachers Accelerating Learning Grant webpage (https://educate.iowa.gov/teachers-accelerating-learning-grant).
"Iowa Department of Education announces $8 million investment in new round of grants to recognize and reward teacher excellence"
Alerts Sign-up