ESSER Funds for Teacher Professional Development
Learn about ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) guidelines (including professional development) for teachers & educators.
ESSER Funding Guidelines, FAQs, and Other Resources | How Model Teaching PD Courses Can Help
ESSER, ESSER II, ESSER III Funding to Support Elementary & Secondary Schools
In an effort to support Elementary & Secondary schools addressing the impact of COVID-19, Congress has recently passed a series of funding initiatives to provide financial support to schools and districts in need. These funds are cumulatively known as ESSER funds.
Summary of Grant Programs & Funding Timeline
ESSER I Program (Spring 2020) – The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act was passed in Spring of 2020 to include funds over $13 billion to support the ESSER fund.
ESSER II Program (Winter 2020) – The Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act is passed, providing over $54 billion in supplemental funding to ESSER (ESSER II).
ESSER III Program (Spring 2021) – The American Rescue Plan (ARP) is enacted. This includes the American Rescue Plan Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) program additionally fund ESSER $126 billion (ESSER III).
How Can ESSER Funds Be Used?
Districts may use ESSER funds on any “activity authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.” This includes any activity involving Assessments, Instructional Materials, Mental Health Support, Software & Technology, Teacher Pay, Professional Development, & The Identification of and Programs to Address Lost Learning.
Classroom-Focused,
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Professional Development.
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How To Access ESSER Funds
States have been allocated ESSER funds in proportion to their Title I grant funding. The US Department of Education has distributed funding directly to State Education Agencies (SEAs) for disbursement. To receive funding, school districts must apply to their relevant SEA. For relevant information relating to ESSER funding for your district or school, please monitor your relevant SEA.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER Fund)
Please see below for a listing of several key FAQ’s from the ed.gov FAQ document available for download here.
*Reference: Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund Frequently Asked Questions about the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER Fund). U.S. Department of Education. https://oese.ed.gov/files/2020/05/ESSER-Fund-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf
Helpful ESSER Funding Resources for Educators
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)
Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief Fund Tracker. This tool provides a listing of state ESSER funding allocation and a summary of current plans and initiatives for the use of funds by state DOEs.
ESSER II State Comparison – Raise Your Hand Texas
This site provides a listing of states’ ESSER II allocations, including direct links to each state DOE’s guidance information.
12 Uses for ESSER Funds – District Administration
This article provides a comprehensive listing of educational activities authorized for ESSER funding use.