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Howard University School of Education Receives $2.1 Million
Grant from the U.S. Department of Education to Train Teachers

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded $22.1 million for 41 grants through the Transition to Teaching program. The program was designed to increase the pool of qualified teachers in high-need schools in high-need districts by recruiting nontraditional teacher candidates, preparing them through alternative routes to certification, and retaining them through strong mentoring programs. "Nothing helps a child learn as much as a great teacher," said U .S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings who recently announced the grant.

According to HUSOE dean Leslie Fenwick, “The $2.1 million award funds HUSOE’s Ready to Teach (R2T) Program, an alternative certification program designed to diversify the nation’s teaching force which is only about 8% African American, 4% Hispanic, and less than 1% Asian. R2T will focus on recruiting and preparing a diverse population of nontraditional teacher candidates and will have a special focus on cultivating African-American male teachers.”

HUSOE was one of three award recipients in the DC area.  American University and the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence were also awarded.