$9 Million Grant Awarded
Press Release
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
The Tidewater Education Consortium Secures $9 Million Teacher Quality Partnership Grant from USDOE
Isle of Wight, VA, October 1, 2024 — The Tidewater Consortium, consisting of Isle of Wight County Schools, Portsmouth Public Schools, and Suffolk Public Schools in collaboration with Norfolk State University and University of Maryland, has been awarded approximately $9 million through the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This significant funding will directly address the region’s ongoing teacher shortage and empower staff members to become future educational leaders.
Dr. Theo Cramer, Superintendent of Isle of Wight County Schools and the Grant Principal, highlighted the transformative potential of the grant, stating, “This funding provides critical financial support as we work to ensure that our schools are staffed with well-qualified teachers. These resources will enable us to launch innovative initiatives that not only alleviate the teacher shortage but also cultivate leadership within our educational staff—initiatives that wouldn’t be possible without this grant.”
The TQP grant is designed to improve teacher preparation, strengthen recruitment efforts, and retain skilled educators, with a special focus on underserved communities. By partnering with Norfolk State University, the consortium will secure teacher certification and administrative certification aimed at developing effective teachers and fostering leadership skills among current staff, ensuring the next generation of educators is prepared to lead and inspire.
In addition to addressing the immediate shortage of teachers, this grant will support initiatives that promote professional growth and leadership development, equipping educators with the knowledge and skills to take on key roles in shaping the future of education in the region. This holistic approach is intended to create a sustainable pipeline of talent that serves students and communities in the long term.
Media Event Announcement
To officially announce this milestone, a media event will be held on November 7, 2024. For more information about the Tidewater Education Consortium and the Teacher Quality Partnership grant, please contact:
Dr. Pamela Shetley, Tidewater Education Consortium Technical Advisor
pshetley@shetleyenterprises.com (202) 322-6166