27m Recognized Achievement Grant

The 27m Recognized Achievement Grant is administered by the Michigan Department of Education as part of its broader effort to support and retain highly qualified educators through National Board Certification recognition programs. National Board Certification, developed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, is widely regarded as a rigorous professional credential that promotes improved teaching practices and student outcomes. This grant specifically recognizes educators who have already achieved this certification by providing financial awards as an incentive and acknowledgment of their accomplishment. The primary purpose of the grant is to reward Michigan teachers who hold National Board Certification at the time of application. Rather than funding professional development activities or certification attainment, this program is focused on post-certification recognition. Funding is distributed directly to eligible teachers through their employing districts, which act as the formal applicants and administrators of the grant. The program is structured to reinforce teacher retention and reward excellence in classroom instruction and leadership roles that remain within the teaching profession. Funding under this grant provides financial awards of up to 4000 dollars for eligible teachers. Teachers working in schoolwide Title I buildings are eligible for increased funding of up to 10000 dollars. The grant explicitly requires that the full award amount be passed through to the teacher without deductions for employer costs. Funds are disbursed to districts via state aid payments, and districts are responsible for ensuring proper distribution and compliance with statutory requirements governing the use and reporting of funds. Eligibility is restricted to Michigan teachers who meet several criteria at the time of application. Applicants must hold National Board Certification and possess either a valid or expired Michigan teaching certificate. They must be actively employed in a classroom setting, teaching at least 50 percent of their full-time workload as defined by their district or intermediate school district. Eligible roles include traditional classroom teachers as well as certain teacher leadership positions such as mentors or peer review coaches, provided those roles do not require administrative certification. Administrators are explicitly excluded from eligibility. The application process is managed at the district or intermediate school district level rather than by individual teachers. Local education agencies submit applications on behalf of eligible educators during designated application windows. Awards are distributed on a first come, first served basis, making timely submission critical. For the most recent cycle referenced, Fiscal Year 26 Round 3, the application period has closed, and awards are scheduled for distribution in May 2026. Applicants are encouraged to monitor official program pages for updates on future rounds. Evaluation for funding is not competitive in the traditional sense but instead based on eligibility verification and order of submission. Districts are responsible for confirming that applicants meet all statutory requirements, and all awards are subject to audit. Funding must be expended within the timeframe established by the Michigan State School Aid Act, generally by the end of the fiscal year following the award year, with additional reporting and return requirements for unspent funds. The program operates on a recurring basis with multiple rounds across fiscal years, though specific opening and closing dates vary by cycle. While the current application round is closed, future opportunities are expected based on the recurring structure of the program. For assistance or inquiries, stakeholders may contact the Michigan Department of Education through the designated grant support email. The overall timeline includes application windows, award distribution periods, and spending deadlines aligned with state fiscal year requirements.

Submit early due to first come first served funding structure