Teacher Quality & Retention Program; TQRP

Overview

The Teacher Quality and Retention Program (TQRP) is a five-year fellowship supporting new and aspiring teachers from publicly-supported HBCUs across the country. TQRP provides high-quality, pre-service training and personalized support once teachers enter the classroom. TQRP Fellows are part of a close-knit network of diverse teachers passionate about teaching in high-need urban and rural communities, with access to year-round Professional Development (PD) and a summer institute featuring content from a culturally responsive, trauma-informed, social-emotional learning approach.

TQRP focuses on three areas:
Black Males, STEM, and New Teachers to develop sound pedagogy and research-based practice so Fellows become teacher leaders. TQRP has impacted over 600 Fellows in 14 years across 20 states and 45 member schools, impacting over 31,000 K-12 students in high-need areas.

For more information on TQRP, please review the application materials and opportunities described below.

Upload the required documents on the first page of the application. There are different requirements based on applicant type.

(you have never been the Teacher of Record)

• Complete transcript
• Updated Resume

(you are a Teacher of Record)

• Complete transcript
• Updated Resume
• Most recent performance evaluation
• Teaching Certificate (if applicable)

Selected Fellows can benefit from the following:

• Coaching and mentoring support for their career journey – e.g., advice, advocacy, and networking
• Virtual Professional Development sessions in Spring 2026
• A robust summer institute in July 2026 for new and returning Fellows with interactive sessions on educating the whole child in an engaging, rigorous, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed manner
• Year-round Professional Development activities and support to prepare for and excel in their teaching career

Participants who excel in TQRP demonstrate a growth mindset, strong work ethic, professional maturity, and initiative.

Although TQRP provides year-round professional development and support, a major component is the Summer Institute. The primary purpose is to equip Fellows with knowledge and skills to be effective in the classroom, build a professional support network, and develop leadership capacity on campuses and beyond.

Date: July 12–17, 2026
Location: Virtual

Applicants must submit the required information before the deadline. The following are required or optional components as part of the application:

• TQRP Application
• College transcript (unofficial is acceptable if current and complete)
• Resume
• Hire Vue Video Interview
• In-service teachers: most recent performance evaluation and teaching certificate (if applicable)
• Biographical Narrative (applicable to new applicants): in no more than 500 words, describe what makes you unique, what you are passionate about, and the qualities you bring to the TQRP cohort
• Criminal background check: eligibility to participate depends on successful completion

• Commitment to teaching in K-12
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
• U.S. Citizen or National/Permanent Resident Status
• Current HBCU student or alumni
• Undergraduate applicants:
  Education or STEM majors preferred
• In-service teacher applicants: must be in their 1st–3rd year of teaching
• Participation in virtual PD throughout the year
• Participation in the Summer Institute (select fellows)
• Criminal background check required
• Black Male Educators are eligible through their 5th year of teaching as part of the Black Male Expansion initiative

Candidates are encouraged to start and complete their applications early. A limited number of applicants can be selected. Final date to receive applications:
February 16, 2026 11:59 PM EST