Memphis Business Journal -

Memphis City Schools is one of three school systems across the state to receive funding from the Teacher and Principal Residency Competitive Grant.

The grant, which is part of the federal government’s First to the Top Initiative, will provide nearly $4 million for MCS over the next four years. Each grant is worth nearly $2 million. MCS received two separate grants.
First to the Top is an offshoot of the $500 million Race to the Top education grant the state received from the

federal government in 2010.
The Teacher and Principal Residency Grants are divided into two segments: pre-service preparation, which will be used to provide mentoring and hands-on training for aspiring teachers and principals in a school environment; and exemplary leadership, which utilizes veteran teachers as researchers and experts in education.

“Teachers and principals are key to the goals and mission of education reform across the state,” Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen said in a statement. “These funds are an investment in our teachers, administrators and innovative and effective strategies to improve achievement and the future of our students.”

In addition to MCS, Metro Nashville Public Schools and Hamilton County Schools also received funding. MCS was the only system to receive funding in both grant categories.