Teachers would love to focus on classroom instruction and using continuing education courses to improve their lesson planning for their students. Savvy members of the community recognize that the whims of the government can have a great effect on the budgets of their local districts.
With that in mind, we wanted to focus on two of the largest infusions of cash into districts with difficulty; the Race to the Top program instituted by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, and the Education Jobs Fund approved by Congress earlier in August.
Look To The Cities
Both the EJF and the Race to the Top funds are generally going to larger districts, with the belief by those handing out money that more students will benefit from funding in larger districts with greater coverage.
In Massachusetts, that means that larger districts like Boston and Worcester are receiving the bulk of the $204 million that Governor Deval Patrick is assigned to distribute, while smaller districts like Springfield make do with less than $10 million.
For job hunters, it means that as always, the easiest time may be had in trying to apply for a position (even maternity leave at this stage) with a major metropolitan district.
Smaller Districts Helped, Too
Even if you are a mid-career teacher who's not quite a section head or in another position of responsibility, the news of extra funding should help allay fears that your job is in serious jeopardy. Most districts have received some funding, and it represents good news for others that had planned layoffs.
The increased funding from the Race to the Top program, with the addition of private sector grants from the Gates Foundation that helped with the application process, is also something to keep an eye out for, and not just if you work in one of the lucky institutions blessed by government largesse.
Making It Work If Your District Didn't Receive Funds
Teachers may not always like the extra work that comes with frequently meeting with administration officials or explaining best practices to school board members during regular meetings.
However, especially in rural districts where funding can be hard to come by and consolidation is a frequent threat, keeping track of news out of the Race to the Top districts has the potential to help with career advancement. Simply put, if you can help implement best practices from these districts, it puts you on a better footing if issues arise in your own district.
With that in mind, we wanted to focus on two of the largest infusions of cash into districts with difficulty; the Race to the Top program instituted by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, and the Education Jobs Fund approved by Congress earlier in August.
Look To The Cities
Both the EJF and the Race to the Top funds are generally going to larger districts, with the belief by those handing out money that more students will benefit from funding in larger districts with greater coverage.
In Massachusetts, that means that larger districts like Boston and Worcester are receiving the bulk of the $204 million that Governor Deval Patrick is assigned to distribute, while smaller districts like Springfield make do with less than $10 million.
For job hunters, it means that as always, the easiest time may be had in trying to apply for a position (even maternity leave at this stage) with a major metropolitan district.
Smaller Districts Helped, Too
Even if you are a mid-career teacher who's not quite a section head or in another position of responsibility, the news of extra funding should help allay fears that your job is in serious jeopardy. Most districts have received some funding, and it represents good news for others that had planned layoffs.
The increased funding from the Race to the Top program, with the addition of private sector grants from the Gates Foundation that helped with the application process, is also something to keep an eye out for, and not just if you work in one of the lucky institutions blessed by government largesse.
Making It Work If Your District Didn't Receive Funds
Teachers may not always like the extra work that comes with frequently meeting with administration officials or explaining best practices to school board members during regular meetings.
However, especially in rural districts where funding can be hard to come by and consolidation is a frequent threat, keeping track of news out of the Race to the Top districts has the potential to help with career advancement. Simply put, if you can help implement best practices from these districts, it puts you on a better footing if issues arise in your own district.
[Image courtesy Tostie14 via Wikimedia Commons]
By: John Curran, Elance.com
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