Posted on October 13, 2009

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American Federation of Teachers Awards $3.3 Million to Support Education Innovations in Public Schools

The American Federation of Teachers has announced the first recipients of the AFT Innovation Fund, a union-led, private foundation-backed effort to provide support to AFT affiliates working to develop education innovations in public schools.

With support provided by AFT, the Broad, Ford, Gates, and Mott foundations, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the fund awarded eight grants totaling $3.3 million. According to AFT president Randi Weingarten, the thread running through the projects — which include fresh ways to evaluate, pay, and recruit teachers — is collaboration.

"These projects show teacher unions' willingness to think creatively and collaboratively about improving student and teacher performance," said Barbara Byrd-Bennett, chair of the AFT Innovation Fund advisory board. "They hold great promise for education reform in their school districts and around the country."

For a complete list of grantees, visit the AFT Web site.

“First Set of AFT Innovation Fund Grants Awarded.” American Federation of Teachers Press Release 10/08/09.

Primary Subject: Education
Secondary Subject(s): Elementary and Secondary Education
Location(s): National

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