FIRST Grant Overview

In Winter of 2007, PGCPS answered a federal call for grant applications as part of the Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF) allocation.  The goals of the grant aligned with PGCPS Children Come First Initiative, specifically attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers to work with our most needy students.

Click Here, to view the FIRST Grant Overview Presentation

The FIRST Grant Requirements:

Teacher Eligibility:

• Must work at one of the participating FIRST schools
• The work that the teacher performs must match one of these descriptors:
  • Instructional staff who have students assigned to them through a roster or credit bearing course
  • Instructional staff who do not have students assigned to them through a roster or credit bearing course but provide direct instruction and service to students on a daily basis through pull out or push in services
• At this time, counselors, media specialists, PPWs, and occupational therapists are not eligible under federal grant guidelines.
• Teachers must possess a current, clear credential directly related to the work you perform for your school and teach at least one class under that certification.

*All participants who register for FIRST will have their status verified.  This is solely a guide and not an endorsement of eligibility.

FIRST Program Goals:

1. Develop and refine a comprehensive teacher and administrator compensation system that rewards improved student achievement
2. Attract, develop, and retain highly qualified, effective teachers and administrators
3. Develop and refine a standards-based, research proven evaluation system for participating teachers and administrators
4. Conduct a formative and summative evaluation to document the impact of FIRST on student achievement.

FIRST Awards: