LEAD Public Schools Receives $12.2 Million Grant from the U.S. Department of Education for Innovative Teacher Compensation Program
LEAD Public Schools, Nashville’s largest local charter network, has been awarded a three-year, $12.2 million Rigorous Instructional Supports for Educators (RISE) Grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This is the second time LEAD has been awarded a grant through the Teacher and School Leader (TSL) Incentive Program.
This award supports the continuation of LEAD’s innovative teacher compensation plan, which allows teachers to earn a higher salary based on performance. Traditionally, teachers are compensated only based on experience, which limits a teacher’s potential salary growth. At LEAD Public Schools, a teacher has the opportunity to earn up to a 10% increase to their base salary every year driven by their performance.
“One of our top priorities at LEAD is finding ways to reward our teachers so they can continue to make an impact in the classroom,” said Dwayne Tucker, CEO at LEAD Public Schools. “This repeated investment in LEAD by the U.S. Department of Education speaks to the success of the innovative model we’ve developed, and we are so appreciative of their continued support.”
Prior to receiving a TSL grant in 2020, LEAD’s performance-based compensation program was self-funded. This grant will support the continuation of work started under the previous grant, including continuing performance-based compensation, building out a talent development program, and growing career ladder initiatives like LEAD’s Master Teacher Program.
“Supporting the development of our teachers is an essential step in improving student academic outcomes,” said Nic Frank, Chief Human Resources officer at LEAD Public Schools. “At LEAD, we are committed to creating an environment where teachers feel supported, are rewarded, and can create a lifelong career, and this grant allows us the opportunity to continue that commitment.”
