ITEF Awards $200,000 to St. Louis Area Schools for Innovative Teacher Development

St. Louis, MO. – The Innovative Technology Education Fund (ITEF) awarded $200,000 to 17 area schools and districts through self-selected professional development experiences.

Forty-nine grants were awarded to allow educators to participate at a local or national conference, tour schools in other states, bring a subject matter expert to their school, or design their own experience to increase classroom impact. Educators participate in pairs or teams, ensuring their learning and enthusiasm continue when they return to their classroom.

“With budget cuts threatening so many facets of education, including staff development, ITEF’s dedication to investing in teacher growth has never meant more. By fueling educators with the tools they need to excel, ITEF ensures students get the rich learning experiences they deserve.” – Michele Mosley, ITEF CEO.

The Innovative Technology Education Fund (ITEF) is a St. Louis-based, charitable, nonprofit, private 501 (c)(3) foundation that supports innovation in education by funding advanced technology in the classrooms of public, private, parochial, and charter schools in the greater St. Louis area. In addition, we provide opportunities for educators to continue to grow and learn in their field. Our work is supported through the FCC license we hold for four Educational Broadband channels in St. Louis, Missouri.

The next Lean into Learning grant cycle opens June 1, 2026.

2025 Lean into Learning Professional Development Recipients

Affton School District

Bayless School District

Confluence Preparatory Academy

Ferguson-Florissant School District

Hancock Place School District

Hazelwood School District

KIPP St. Louis

Kirkwood School District

Lindbergh School District

Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District