East Central Independent School District is receiving a $943,539 grant from the Texas Education Agency for its Beginning Teacher Induction and Mentoring, Cycle 2 Grant program.

The grant, announced by State Sen. Judith Zaffirini, will establish a beginning teacher induction and mentoring program.

“I am pleased that East Central ISD will receive this significant grant that helps support beginning teachers and provide them with mentors and professional development,” Zaffirini said. “I also congratulate and am proud of the other deserving academic institutions that demonstrated a strong commitment to educational excellence and look forward to the confirmation of this preliminary award.”

The grant could also be used to enhance an existing mentoring program that will provide support and ongoing professional development for beginning teachers, or improve beginning teacher performance and effectiveness to support student achievement.

The money will also provide support and training for mentor teachers; offer training to administrators to support beginning teachers and mentors; and increase beginning teacher retention.