The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of English Language Acquisition announced today the awarding of $22 million in grants under the National Professional Development Program to support educators of English learner students.

The grant program provides grants to eligible institutions of higher education, in collaboration with states or districts, to implement professional development activities that will improve instruction for English learners. Professional development may include preservice or in-service activities for educators of English learners, including teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals and other educators. Professional development activities may include teacher education programs and training for other education professionals that lead to certification, licensing, or endorsement for providing instruction to English learners.

“These grants are a smart investment in biliteracy, early learning, family and community engagement, and expanding professional development for educators working to meet the needs of English learner students,” said U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. “With this funding, we continue to deliver on our promise of equity, excellence and opportunity in supporting educators, students and families across the country.”

The Department projects this new cohort of 49 grants will serve about 4,500 pre-service and 10,746 in-service teachers.

The Obama Administration’s commitment to equity in education underlies nearly every significant activity of the Education Department—from programs focused on early learning to college affordability and tools for reducing student debt. Since 2008, the Department has awarded an estimated $328 million in these grants to assist educators working with English Learner students.