Best Professional Development Grants for Teachers in Texas

The Teacher Time Analysis and Supports Pilot Year 1 Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, focuses on alleviating teacher workload constraints. This initiative aims to provide technical assistance to school systems, helping them analyze teacher time use and develop actionable plans. By fostering an understanding of operational policies and practices, the grant seeks to enhance student learning and improve working conditions for teachers, ultimately sustaining effective teaching in Texas schools.

The TeachTX Pilot Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the educator pipeline through innovative Grow Your Own (GYO) initiatives. By implementing high-quality, campus-based recruitment and leadership development strategies, the program seeks to engage students in education careers. Through targeted support and stakeholder collaboration, the grant fosters early leadership experiences and increases participation in teaching-related programs, ultimately contributing to a robust future workforce in education.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

Effective Advising Framework Planning Grant

Program Description

The purpose of this grant program is to develop, maintain, and deliver core services to school systems as identified under TEC §8.051 and in accordance with the purposes of Regional Education Service Centers as established in TEC §8.002.

2026-2027 Teach for America Grant

The purpose of this grant is to support proven models to increase the number of effective teachers in Texas classrooms.

The goal of the program is to increase the number of effective teachers and leaders in Texas public schools by funding TFA. As a proven model, TFA will use funds to increase and improve the teaching skills and practices of TFA corps members with an emphasis on those teaching Bilingual/ESL, science, math and economically disadvantaged elementary and secondary students. The participating corps members must serve students in the Rio Grande Valley, Houston, San Antonio, Greater Austin, and Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area schools. Professional development and training should increase student achievement in focus subject areas.

Funding will emphasize:

• The employment and retention of TFA teachers in the field of mathematics
• Pre-service training with content-specific training for math and science
• Ongoing support to corps members with an emphasis on those in Bilingual/ESL, science math and economically disadvantaged high need classroom placements for the Rio Grande Valley, Houston, San Antonio, Greater Austin, and Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area schools
• Evidence of implementation of a plan to improve retention rates of TEA teachers

2026-2027 ESC State Gifted and Talented Performance Standards Initiative

Program Information

The purpose of the program is to implement Gifted/Talented (G/T) education projects that make up the Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP). Region 13 Education Service Center (ESC) – Advanced Academic Services will oversee the development of the projects and provide leadership and project management.

The Powell Foundation Grant Program aims to support 501(c)(3) organizations in Texas, focusing on education, arts, conservation, and human services. They emphasize high-quality early childhood programs, K-12 education, post-secondary success, and community welfare. Eligible applicants must submit an online pre-application, with funding decisions announced in January and July. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster developmental support and educational access for children and families, enhancing community well-being through strategic investments.

The Meadows Foundation Grant Program is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Texans through diverse funding initiatives across education, environment, arts, and health. With a focus on community development and support for nonprofit organizations, the foundation aims to address pressing issues like homelessness and mental health. By prioritizing programs that offer measurable outcomes, they foster innovation and empower local efforts, ensuring a lasting impact in Texas. This grant program reflects a commitment to sustainable development and community well-being.

The 2025-2026 ESC School Improvement Facilitation Grant aims to enhance the capacity of Education Service Centers (ESCs) to provide sustained support to Title I school systems and campuses labeled for Comprehensive Support and Improvement. This grant focuses on facilitating ESF Diagnostics, offering technical assistance for plan submissions, and implementing crucial leadership instructional practices and performance management structures to foster educational improvement.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) 

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations. 

TeachTX Grant App

The purpose of the TeachTX grant is to strengthen the educator pipeline by supporting the implementation of high-quality, campus-based recruitment and leadership development strategies for future educators. Through targeted technical assistance, resource development, and stakeholder engagement, this grant empowers grantees to build sustainable systems that elevate student awareness of education careers, increase participation in Programs of Study aligned to teaching, and foster early leadership experiences through Career and Technical Student Organizations.

The Bernard and Audre Rapoport Foundation, established in 1987, has invested over $70 million in grants to enhance community life through education, arts, health, and social services. The Foundation focuses on innovative solutions to persistent challenges, supporting projects primarily in Waco, Texas, while also engaging in discretionary funding for broader initiatives. Its mission emphasizes building resilience and fostering civic participation, ensuring that programs enrich lives, particularly for underserved populations.

2026-2027 Jira-Incident Management System (TIMS)

Program Description

The Texas Student Data System (TSDS), a statewide initiative by TEA, modernizes education data collection, management, and reporting to improve student outcomes through enhanced TPEIR reporting. To support TSDS users — including school system administrators and educators — the grantee will host, develop, maintain, and upgrade an automated incident management system/help desk for all user-facing TSDS applications, delivered via the Jira platform.

2026-2027 ESC ESSA Basic Services Initiative

Program Description

The purpose of the ESC ESSA Basic Services Initiative is primarily to provide support for and to work cooperatively with campuses and provide technical assistance to other ESSA programs that increase opportunities for all students to meet challenging State academic assessment standards. 

The 2026-2028 Center for Strategic Compensation (CSC) Grant will support School Systems in developing and implementing strategic compensation systems, talent systems support, and other related strategic planning while utilizing funds obtained through participation in the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) as well as local district dollars. The Center for Strategic Compensation aims to support School Systems in obtaining an Enhanced TIA district designation and provide support to Education Service Centers (ESCs) to develop capacity in supporting School Systems to develop and implement strategic compensation systems.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal1 and state grant awards to its subgrantees2 to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations. The following Program Guidelines apply to all eligible subgrantees for the designated grant program.

Program Purpose

The 2026-2027 Empowering Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Educators to Improve Student Outcomes grant will enable Region 10 ESC to administer a program providing funding support for school systems and ESCs seeking training and certification for ECSE professionals during the 2026-2027 school year. The grantee will create a plan for prioritization of funds and determine the funding process for program participants. Trainings will focus on behavior management and inclusive opportunities and will increase ECSE educators to improve student outcomes for children with disabilities, ages 3 through 5 and receiving ECSE services. School systems also can apply for funding through the program to support prekindergarten teachers with dual certification in special education and general education.

About CPRIT

The State of Texas has established the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), which may issue up to $6 billion in general obligation bonds to fund grants for cancer research and prevention.

CPRIT is charged by the Texas Legislature to do the following:

• Create and expedite innovation in the area of cancer research and in enhancing the potential for a medical or scientific breakthrough in the prevention of, or cures for, cancer;
• Attract, create, or expand research capabilities of public or private institutions of higher education and other public or private entities that will promote a substantial increase in cancer research and in the creation of high-quality new jobs in the State of Texas; and 
• Develop and implement the Texas Cancer Plan

Rationale

The aim of this award mechanism is to bolster cancer research in Texas by providing financial support to attract very promising investigators who are pursuing their first faculty appointment at the level of assistant professor (first-time, tenure-track faculty members). These individuals must have demonstrated academic excellence, innovation during predoctoral and/or postdoctoral research training, commitment to pursuing cancer research, and exceptional potential for achieving future impact in basic, translational, population-based, or clinical research. Awards are intended to provide institutions with a competitive edge in recruiting the world’s best talent in cancer research, thereby advancing cancer research and prevention efforts, and promoting economic development in the State of Texas.

The recruitment of outstanding scientists will greatly enhance programs of scientific excellence in cancer research and will position Texas as a leader in the fight against cancer. Applications may address any research topic related to cancer biology, causation, prevention, detection or screening, treatment, or survivorship. Principal Investigators (PIs) with research programs addressing CPRIT’s priority areas for research are encouraged. These include implementation research to accelerate the adoption and deployment of evidence-based prevention and screening interventions, computational oncology and analytic methods, research including population-based research addressing cancer disparities, childhood and adolescent cancers, hepatocellular cancer, and expansion of access to innovative clinical trials.

The Windgate Charitable Trust Grant supports contemporary craft and visual arts in the U.S. It offers funding for fellowships, residencies, educational outreach, and materials for craft programs. The foundation prioritizes strengthening visual arts in colleges and expanding K-12 art-integrated programs, providing opportunities for artists and educators to enhance their skills and foster creativity among students. Organizations with previous funding from Windgate can apply through the grantee portal.

EDFA is providing professional development to help school districts implement a school model that redefines an instructional, talent, and comprehensive outstanding student experience across the district to support principals and other school leaders. Initially focusing on the campus leaders at campuses that need the most support in these areas and then ensuring that the district can effectively lead all campuses in these areas over the course of multiple years. These grant funds serve the purpose of supporting the district and particularly instructional leaders including principals and principal managers, as it relates to instruction, talent, and an outstanding and consistent student experience to prepare all students to meet the challenging State academic standards.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA), as the pass-through entity, is the grantee from the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and TEA awards subgrants to non-federal entities such as local educational agencies (LEAs), including school districts, charter schools, and education service centers, and to a lesser degree institutions of higher education (IHEs), and nonprofit organizations (NPOs) who are the agency’s subgrantees.

Texas Strategic Staffing ESC Direct Grant

The Texas Strategic Staffing ESC Direct Grant is a direct grant to fund services for school systems awarded with the 2026-2028 Texas Strategic Staffing Grant for Residencies Grant (via LASO IV). ESCs will supply a Strategic Staffing fellow (TSS Fellow) who will provide technical assistance and other support to school systems and educator preparation program (EPP) partnerships to design and implement paid and sustainable yearlong teacher residencies across SY 2026-2027 and 2027-2028. 

Strategic Staffing technical assistance (TA) will be provided by Education Service Centers (ESCs) through the Texas Strategic Staffing (TSS) technical assistance service. With Education Service Centers providing technical assistance, school systems and EPPs will make informed decisions to develop paid teacher residencies that leverage reallocation and reinvestment of local funds to support teacher residents’ wages while they engage in other instructional responsibilities including substitute teaching, paraprofessional roles, tutoring, and more.

TA providers in this role also serve as critical thought partners for school systems as they establish strong residency systems for the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnerships Program (PREP) Residency Allotment, recruitment mechanisms through PREP Grow Your Own Allotment, and supportive training for host teachers through the PREP Mentorship Allotment.

In addition to TSS fellows, this grant funds Strategic Staffing State Leads. These are full-time Strategic Staffing ESC staff who will play a pivotal role in providing technical assistance throughout the State of Texas by training and coaching TSS Fellows on their respective technical assistance. State Leads are also leading technical assistance for a selection of school systems in Cohort 3 of Pipeline to Leadership (P2L) Strategic Staffing.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems. TEA helps deliver education to more than 5 million students under the leadership of the commissioner of education. The TEA operational costs are supported by both state and federal funds. The Texas Education Agency administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations.

Instructional Leadership Continuation Grant

The instructional leadership pathway will provide training, implementation support, and one-on-one coaching to campus and district leaders to build their own capacity and that of the educators that they manage. 

The purpose of this grant is to produce and maintain resources, professional development, and implementation supports that, when used by educators and families of students with significant cognitive disabilities and/or complex needs, result in students’ academic and functional advancement and progress on appropriately rigorous individualized goals. This grant will be tasked with the development and dissemination of the tools and supports necessary to equip educators and parents to implement instructional practices, interventions, and other high-yield strategies that are proven to be effective in meeting the diverse academic and functional needs of students with complex needs. 

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems. TEA helps deliver education to more than 5 million students under the leadership of the commissioner of education. The TEA operational costs are supported by both state and federal funds.

The Texas Education Agency administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations.

Pipeline to Leadership (P2L) Cohort 2 Continuation Grant

Program Description

The primary purpose of the Pipeline to Leadership (P2L) Continuation Grant is to maximize the impact of highly effective teachers in reaching as many students as possible by developing strategic staffing models. Through this grant, school system leaders, including principals, recruit and select highly effective teachers to serve in leadership roles alongside campus and district instructional leaders. Through high-quality, job-embedded professional learning, these teacher leaders develop skills in key instructional leadership practices that help drive peer, beginning, and aspiring teachers’ instructional learning and growth. When highly effective teachers step into these leadership roles, school leaders distribute instructional leadership responsibilities, ensuring all teachers, across years of experience and effectiveness levels, receive differentiated and job-embedded supports to maximize their impact on student learning.

The School Improvement PLC Supports grant, funded by the Texas Education Agency, aims to bolster instructional practices at Title I campuses identified for improvement. By providing resources such as enhanced PLC facilitation, increased observations, and individualized coaching, the initiative seeks to strengthen the use of high-quality instructional materials. Ultimately, the goal is to improve student outcomes by ensuring effective implementation of educational strategies within these schools.

The Center for School Actions and Technical Assistance, supported by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance educational outcomes by providing strategic technical assistance to school systems. This initiative focuses on cultivating demand for effective school actions, identifying high-impact models, and codifying successful educational practices. By fostering collaboration and utilizing data-driven approaches, the program seeks to empower schools and communities, ensuring all students have access to quality education and resources for success.

The BACKstage Grant Fall 2025, offered by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), provides funding for secondary education theatre teachers to enhance their professional development. Grants support various expenses, including workshop registrations, travel, and educational supplies. Eligible applicants must be secondary school educators teaching theatre-related subjects, and all funded activities must be completed within a year. This initiative fosters growth and innovation in the performing arts community.

The Lowell Teachers Scholarships, offered by Harvard University, allow middle and high school teachers to enroll in one Extension School course per term at half the tuition cost. This initiative promotes professional development by making Harvard's rigorous academic programs accessible to educators. Limited scholarships are available, encouraging early application. Note that these scholarships cannot be used for summer courses or combined with other financial aid, ensuring focused support for teachers dedicated to enhancing their skills.

The MSU Graduate Teaching Scholarships recognize the vital role graduate students play in undergraduate education by providing financial support for their teaching efforts. Eligible candidates must have a graduate teaching assistantship, complete professional development, and apply before the semester starts. Scholarships range from $250 to $1000, promoting excellence in teaching and enriching the educational experience at Montana State University.

The BIE Professional Development Funding for STEM Educators and Students, offered by the Native Forward Scholars Fund, supports training opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for TCU faculty, staff, and students. This funding assists with costs related to professional development including continuing education, conferences, and certifications. Eligible applicants include educators at BIE-funded or controlled schools, as well as those at institutions with significant Native American populations, fostering increased representation and support for Native scholars.