The State Personnel Development Grants (SPDG) program under the Department of Education invites applications for FY 2025. The program’s primary aim is to assist State Educational Agencies (SEAs) in reforming and improving systems for personnel preparation and professional development to enhance results for children with disabilities. The program focuses on developing pathways for educators, enhancing family engagement, and building capacity for inclusive practices and high-quality instruction.

The funding supports SEAs to address professional development needs and personnel shortages. The program emphasizes integrating evidence-based practices to ensure improved outcomes for children with disabilities. Funds can also support initiatives such as teacher residencies, Grow Your Own (GYO) programs, and registered teacher apprenticeship models that eliminate financial barriers to special education certification.

Eligible applicants include SEAs from the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and outlying areas such as the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. SEAs are required to develop partnerships with Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), institutions of higher education (IHEs), and other agencies or organizations concerned with children’s education.

The SPDG program requires statutory compliance with IDEA, which includes aligning personnel development plans with other state and federal education programs. Applicants must demonstrate strategies for recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, addressing gaps in professional development, and improving services for students with disabilities.

The funding award ranges from $500,000 to $2,100,000 annually, with outlying areas receiving no less than $80,000. Each project must last a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years. SEAs must allocate at least 90 percent of funds toward professional development activities and may use up to 10 percent for additional activities aligned with the personnel development plan.

Applications will be evaluated based on five key selection criteria: significance, quality of project design, project personnel, adequacy of resources, and the evaluation plan. Competitive preference priorities include initiatives that support teacher pathways, address emergency certifications, develop person-centered IEPs, and strengthen instructional leadership for inclusion.

Applicants are encouraged to utilize technology, ensure cultural responsiveness, and demonstrate sustainability plans post-funding. A third-party evaluation is required to measure project effectiveness.

Applications are due by February 18, 2025. The program mandates attendance at annual meetings and submission of annual performance reports. Full application details and guidelines can be accessed via the Department of Education’s official portal.

This funding opportunity provides essential resources to build and sustain a high-quality, inclusive educational workforce and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.