Increasing the Number of Certified Teachers in Philadelphia Public Schools RFP Grant

The William Penn Foundation's RFP aims to increase the percentage of certified teachers in Philadelphia public schools, addressing the critical shortage of diverse educators. With a focus on pre-k-4 teachers, the initiative promotes effective pathways for pre-service and in-service teachers, including recruitment, improved preparation programs, and support for current teachers. This effort is essential to align the racial and ethnic makeup of educators with the diverse student population, fostering better educational outcomes in the community.

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.
Increasing the Number of Certified Teachers in Philadelphia Public Schools RFP
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.