How the Foundation Serves Teachers

“Be the leader who is a servant first. Be the servant that anchors himself in with principles, morals and conduct.”
Michael Steele

Supporting teachers and staff is critical to helping students achieve academic success. With nearly 14,000 teachers in Hillsborough County Public Schools, along with additional staff totaling over 15,000 more, the task of helping can be daunting without help from the community.

Currently, the Tampa Bay area is experiencing unprecedented growth which necessitates the hiring of more than 1,500 new teachers each year. In response to this growing need for qualified educators for the youth of our community, The Foundation has responded with Extras for Educators,a program presented by Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union that provides a collection of discounts and incentives for teacher recruitment and retention. In addition, The Foundation supports Teacher Interview Days, a program which allows educators and recent graduates from across the country to easily fly or drive in for appointments during this two day event to research the opportunities in our district and interview on the spot.  The Foundation also plays a critical part in welcoming newly hired teachers to our community by collaborating with the Hillsborough County Public Schools and local businesses to provide New Teacher Induction; each of these new teachers receives orientation gaining information to facilitate their transition into the school system. In addition, they receive training in areas such as curriculum, classroom management, and instructional strategies. The Superintendent and approximately 200 principals and other educators also attend this event.

Cash for Classrooms is a grant that is written by an individual classroom teacher around a theme chosen by a grant sponsor.  For example: The Elementary Math Council requires that classroom grant projects they fund "enhance mathematics in the classroom."  These grants are unique because they put funds directly into the hands of the classroom teacher.  Classroom grant awards range from $250 to $2,500.

On average, teachers spend from $500 - $1,000 per year or more on supplies for their classrooms, the Hillsborough Education Foundation offers cash for classrooms through its grant programs and has awarded more than $100,000 in its 18 years. The Foundation also operates the Teaching Tools for Hillsborough Schools store which provides free school supplies to the students and teachers with the greatest need.

Ways the Foundation Serves Teachers

• The Hillsborough Education Foundation has awarded more than $100,000 in employee scholarships helping more than 100 Hillsborough County Public School employees become certified teachers.
• Annual recognition programs held to honor over 400 teachers and educators.
• The Foundation cultivates hundreds of business partners that work directly with schools and teachers.  Many provide funding for classroom grants or materials for the Teaching Tools Free Store.
• The Foundation awards scholarships to teachers seeking additional education.