Davids Secures Major Federal Award to Recruit, Support Kansas Teachers

September 9, 2026 Press Release Today, U.S. Representative Sharice Davids announced that she secured $8.3 million for the Kansas State Department of Education through the U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher and School Leader Incentive Program (TSL) . The program strengthens teacher and school leader recruitment, retention, professional development, and leadership opportunities across the country. “I went to Kansas public schools and became a first-generation college student, so I know firsthand how much a good teacher and a strong education can change a student’s trajectory,” said Davids . “This new investment will help Kansas continue to build the kind of schools where students can thrive by supporting the teachers and school leaders who show up for our kids every day.” The TSL program helps schools recruit and keep quality teachers and school leaders. The funding can help schools provide teachers with additional training and coaching, create opportunities for experienced teachers to take on leadership roles, and offer incentives for educators who take on more responsibility. The program also helps schools attract and keep strong educators in low-income and rural communities where they are needed most. A U.S. Department of Education evaluation of the program’s predecessor found that performance-based incentives led to student achievement gains equivalent to roughly three to four additional weeks of learning. The TSL program has since funded 160 projects serving more than 2,000 schools in 36 states and Washington, D.C. Last year, Davids spoke out against the Trump Administration’s plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, warning that eliminating the department could put critical education funding and services at risk for students, teachers, and families. She has continued pushing for federal investments that support Kansas classrooms, including securing funding for early education, STEM programs, and apprenticeships. This award includes $2,903,167 in base funding and $5,483,666 in additional frontloaded funding, bringing the total FY 2026 award to more than $8.3 million. The FY 2026 TSL program is expected to provide approximately $60 million nationwide through competitive grants to eligible state agencies, school districts, and other organizations. Federal funding for this grant was authorized by the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 , which Davids voted to support in 2024. Issues : Education