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Maximize Your Federal Education Funding

Empower educators, engage families, and elevate student achievement in your school district with evidence-based programs from Teacher Created Materials—aligned to Title I, II, III, IV, and IDEA priorities.

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Federal-Education-Funding

Federal Education Funding:
What Schools Need to KnowFed-Funding

Funding is available through multiple major sources: 

Schools can access federal dollars through Title I (academic support in high-need schools), Title II (teacher quality and professional development), Title III (English learners and family engagement), Title IV (well-rounded education and enrichment), and IDEA (services for students with disabilities).


TCM resources align with funding goals:

TCM instructional materials, parent engagement resources, and professional learning are designed to meet the requirements and priorities of these federal funding streams, helping schools maximize impact.


Federal funds are part of a broader funding mix: 

Public school budgets also rely heavily on state and local dollars—typically around 80–90% of funding—which work in conjunction with federal programs to support curriculum, teaching, and innovation.


Using the right resources can help achieve funding goals: 

Evidence-based programs that align to federal priorities can strengthen classroom instruction, improve educator capacity, boost family engagement, and accelerate student achievement when paired with appropriate funding sources. 

Empowering Schools Through Federal Funding

Federal education funding helps schools provide equitable access to high-quality instruction, professional learning, and family engagement. Teacher Created Materials (TCM) partners with districts nationwide to make the most of these opportunities—aligning every resource to federal priorities and evidence-based research.

Our programs qualify for multiple funding sources, including Title I, II, III, IV, and IDEA, as well as state literacy and learning grants. Each solution—whether classroom instruction, take-home resources, or professional development—is designed to strengthen teaching and accelerate student success.

By connecting proven TCM materials with available federal and state funds, schools can expand learning opportunities, support educator growth, and build thriving classrooms where every child loves to learn.
Fed-Funding-Empowering-Schools

How Are Public Schools Funded in the United States?

Public school funding in the United States comes from a combination of federal, state, and local sources. The exact mix varies by state, district, and even from year to year, depending on legislation, voter-approved measures, and court rulings.

Main Sources of School Funding

  • Federal funds: Provide about 8–10% of total school funding, supporting programs such as Title I, Title II, and IDEA that promote equity and access.
  • State funds: Contribute roughly 45%, distributed based on state funding formulas that address student enrollment, local property values, and educational priorities.
  • Local funds: Typically make up the remaining 45%, generated mainly through local property taxes and community support.

Together, these sources ensure that schools can operate effectively, pay teachers, maintain facilities, and provide essential academic and enrichment programs.

 

 
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Title I – Support for Low-Income and Low Achieving Students

What is Title I funding used for?

Title I provides federal funding to help schools support students from low-income families, and close achievement gaps especially in high poverty schools. These funds can be used to provide engaging instructional materials, targeted interventions, and at-home learning resources that strengthen core skills in reading, writing, and math.

How can schools use Title I funds?

Schools can use Title I funding to:
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How Teacher Created Materials supports Title I programs:

TCM offers a range of Title I–eligible resources designed to promote equity, engagement, and academic success while involving parents at home:

PreK–High School

TCM Take-Home Backpacks

Ready-to-learn kits that reinforce key skills outside of school.
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Grades PreK–8

Learn and Create

Keep learning fun during 1–2-week school breaks with our engaging K–8 take-home packs! 
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Grades PreK–5

Let's Learn! Backpacks

Ensure student success in any learning environment with these versatile take-home backpacks!
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Title II – Professional Development and Teacher Support

What is Title II funding used for?

Title II provides federal funding to improve teacher quality, instructional effectiveness, and educator retention. These funds help schools strengthen teaching through professional development, mentorship programs, and teacher recruitment and support initiatives that build educator capacity. 

How can schools use Title II funds?

Schools can use Title II funds to:

  • Build educator capacity through ongoing professional learning
  • Support new teacher induction and mentorship programs
  • Enhance classroom instruction through evidence-based training
  • Promote teacher collaboration and leadership development
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How Teacher Created Materials supports Title II goals:

Along with TCM’s professional development titles, many resources from Shell Education and Free Spirit Publishing also qualify for Title II. These offerings provide research-based strategies, classroom-ready tools, and ongoing educator support to strengthen teaching effectiveness and student outcomes.


Title II funds can be applied toward TCM’s wide range of professional learning and educator resources, including:

Grades PK–12

5 Essential Resources for New Teachers: A Curated Collection

Empower new teachers with a three-book and two six-page guides bundle designed to foster confidence, build strong relationships, and support student-centered learning.
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Grades K–12

50 Strategies

Professional learning series

These expert-written books offer quick, practical, research-backed strategies for K-12 teachers to enhance instruction.
Learn More
Grades K–12

What the Science of Reading Says

Explore the latest research on the science of reading and help educators enhance word recognition, comprehension, and writing skills in today’s classroom.
Learn More
Grades PK–5

There's Research for That: Your K-5 Literacy Instruction Questions Answered

Discover clear, research-based answers to 20 common questions about teaching reading in grades K–5. 
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Title III – English Learners, Immigrant Students, and Family Engagement

What is Title III funding used for?

Title III provides federal funding to support English Learners (ELs) and immigrant students in acquiring English language skills and achieving academic success. These funds also promote family engagement and professional development for educators who serve multilingual learners. 

How can schools use Title III funds?

Schools may use Title III funds to:

  • Provide language instruction and academic support for English Learners
  • Offer bilingual and dual-language resources that promote inclusion and accessibility
  • Fund professional development for teachers of ELs
  • Strengthen family and community engagement programs for multilingual families
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How Teacher Created Materials supports Title III programs

TCM offers a comprehensive selection of research-based materials and professional learning services aligned with Title III objectives. Learn more about our ELL/ESL/ELD Resources. Featured resources below:

Grades K–8

Language Power, 2nd Edition

Boost English proficiency with dynamic text sets and rigorous instruction in all four language domains.
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Grades PreK–8

Engage Newcomers! Backpacks

Ready-to-use resources for supporting newcomer students.
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Grades K–8

Practicing for Success: Language Essentials: ELPAC Edition

Prepare for California English Language Proficiency Assessments.
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Grades K–8

Practicing for Success: Language Essentials: AZELLA Edition

Helps Arizona English Language Learners prepare for AZELLA.
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Parent Engagement Resources

Explore how fostering collaborative relationships with parents strengthens schools and also empowers students to succeed. Discover our books and guides that help families support social-emotional growth and cross-cultural communication.

Grades PK–2

Being Your Child’s Most Important Teacher

Provide families with ideas for learning opportunities that can happen every day.
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Grades PK–12

Nurturing Your Child’s Well-Being

Equip children with the tools to navigate their emotions and relationships with peers and adults.
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Grades 4–12

It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence

Support your teen’s growth and guide them through the complexities of the digital landscape by building a strong relationship.
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Grades PK–12

Raising Awe-Seekers: How the Science of Wonder Helps Our Kids Thrive

Boost kids’ mental and emotional well-being and strengthen their social ties, while supporting their curiosity and internal motivation.
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Professional Development Opportunities

Empower educators with evidence-based training through TCM’s professional learning programs, including:

Grades K–12

Content and Language for English Language Learners

Help English language learners develop academic language through listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
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Grades K–12

A Guide to Welcoming and Engaging Newcomers

This professional resource provides step-by-step instructional strategies for teachers of ELs.
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Grades K–12

Integrated English Language Development

Learn how to define and support the implementation of Integrated English Language Development (I-ELD) with this professional resource.
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Title IV – Well-Rounded, Safe, and Healthy Students

What is Title IV funding used for?

Title IV is a flexible federal block grant designed to support well-rounded education, safe and healthy schools, and effective use of technology. Schools can use these funds to enhance student learning and engagement across multiple areas, including arts, STEM, mental health, and violence prevention initiatives. 

How can schools use Title IV funds?

Title IV funds can be applied to:

  • Afterschool and extended learning programs
  • 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC)
  • Summer learning and enrichment opportunities
  • Programs promoting academic achievement, social-emotional well-being, and student engagement

This funding empowers districts to create comprehensive, supportive learning environments that nurture the whole child—academically, emotionally, and socially.

Title IV funds can be used for programs that promote whole-child learning.
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How Teacher Created Materials supports Title IV goals:

TCM’s offerings include:

Grades K–8

Smithsonian® STEAM Readers

Engages students with STEAM readers and hands-on activities for real-world problems.
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Grades K–5

Focused Instruction: Mathematics Intervention

Accelerate math growth with a flexible, supplemental math intervention program that fits into any schedule or setting.
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Grades K–5

Focused Instruction: Reading Intervention

Foster confident, proficient readers with a flexible, supplemental reading intervention program that fits into any schedule or setting. 
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Grades 1–8

Summer Scholars

Tailored for summer learning, 25 easy lessons for Language Arts and Mathematics.
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IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

What is IDEA funding used for?

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) provides federal funding to ensure students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. These funds help schools provide inclusive instruction, specialized support services, and resources that meet diverse learning needs. 

How can schools use IDEA funds?

Schools may use IDEA funding to:

  • Support inclusive classrooms with differentiated instruction and accommodations
  • Provide specialized teaching tools that promote social-emotional and academic growth
  • Offer professional development to help educators implement neurodiversity-affirming practices
  • Strengthen family partnerships to support students’ individual learning plans (IEPs)
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How Free Spirit Publishing supports IDEA programs

Free Spirit Publishing offers a wide range of evidence-based resources designed to help educators create inclusive, supportive environments for every learner:

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Ages 5–9

Disability Books for Kids

Celebrate and empower kids of all abilities with this four-book bundle.
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Grades K–12

Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools

Written by leaders in the field of neurodiversity-affirming education, empower educators to help neurodivergent students thrive.
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Grades 3–12

Self-Regulation in the Classroom and Strategies

Help teachers build students’ self-regulation and executive-function skills like goal setting, active listening, and time management.
Learn More
Ages 3–7

We Find Feelings Clues series

Help kids identify and name emotions by observing expressions, body language, and experiences.
Learn More

Looking for Programs Aligned to Federal Education Funds?

Learn exactly how TCM’s proven resources and services align with your federal funding goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How Does Teacher Created Materials Align with State and Local Funding Priorities?

    What role do state and local funds play in education?

    Because state and local funding accounts for approximately 80–90% of all public school funding, schools rely heavily on these sources to support curriculum, professional learning, and classroom innovation.

    How does TCM support state and local education priorities?

    Teacher Created Materials (TCM) designs programs that align with state standards, new literacy laws, and the Science of Reading (SOR). Each resource is developed with educators and researchers to ensure it meets evidence-based requirements for reading, writing, and content-area learning.

    TCM programs aligned with state literacy initiatives include:

    • What the Science Says professional series – bridging current research with classroom practice
    • Focused Phonics and decodable book sets aligned to UFLI and Fundations® frameworks
    • Content area readers for social studies and science that build background knowledge and reading comprehension
    • Book Adventures – interactive reading experiences that promote engagement and fluency

    Additional local funding priorities may include:

    Learn more about TCM’s Evidence-Based Solutions Library to explore programs that meet state literacy mandates and local district goals.

  • What Resources Does Teacher Created Materials Provide for Early Childhood and Pre-K Programs?

    How does TCM support early learning?

    Teacher Created Materials (TCM) offers engaging, developmentally appropriate resources that nurture language, literacy, and social-emotional learning in early childhood classrooms. Each program aligns with early learning standards and helps children build foundational skills in curiosity, empathy, communication, and self-regulation.

    Free Spirit Publishing resources for early learners:

    • The Best Behavior® series – includes the best-seller Hands Are Not for Hitting, teaching kindness, respect, and self-control
    • We Say What’s Okay – promotes body autonomy, consent, and personal boundaries
    • Exploration Storytime – themed sets exploring topics like identity, nature, and family connections

    TCM early learning products:

    • Explore and Learn – hands-on, interactive activities designed to support early literacy, numeracy, and social development

    Together, these materials help educators create joyful, inclusive classrooms where young children learn through play, discovery, and meaningful interaction.

  • Can Teacher Created Materials Resources Qualify for Multiple Funding Sources?

    Yes. Many Teacher Created Materials (TCM) instructional and family engagement resources qualify for multiple federal and state funding categories, including Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, IDEA, and state literacy grants.

    This flexibility allows schools and districts to coordinate funding across key initiatives such as:

    • Literacy and reading achievement
    • Social-emotional learning (SEL)
    • STEAM and hands-on learning
    • Bilingual and multilingual education

    Because TCM programs are evidence-based, research-aligned, and classroom tested, they meet the requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and many state-level literacy mandates. This makes it easier for schools to maximize their funding impact and implement cohesive, student-centered learning solutions.

What role do state and local funds play in education?

Because state and local funding accounts for approximately 80–90% of all public school funding, schools rely heavily on these sources to support curriculum, professional learning, and classroom innovation.

How does TCM support state and local education priorities?

Teacher Created Materials (TCM) designs programs that align with state standards, new literacy laws, and the Science of Reading (SOR). Each resource is developed with educators and researchers to ensure it meets evidence-based requirements for reading, writing, and content-area learning.

TCM programs aligned with state literacy initiatives include:

  • What the Science Says professional series – bridging current research with classroom practice
  • Focused Phonics and decodable book sets aligned to UFLI and Fundations® frameworks
  • Content area readers for social studies and science that build background knowledge and reading comprehension
  • Book Adventures – interactive reading experiences that promote engagement and fluency

Additional local funding priorities may include:

Learn more about TCM’s Evidence-Based Solutions Library to explore programs that meet state literacy mandates and local district goals.

How does TCM support early learning?

Teacher Created Materials (TCM) offers engaging, developmentally appropriate resources that nurture language, literacy, and social-emotional learning in early childhood classrooms. Each program aligns with early learning standards and helps children build foundational skills in curiosity, empathy, communication, and self-regulation.

Free Spirit Publishing resources for early learners:

  • The Best Behavior® series – includes the best-seller Hands Are Not for Hitting, teaching kindness, respect, and self-control
  • We Say What’s Okay – promotes body autonomy, consent, and personal boundaries
  • Exploration Storytime – themed sets exploring topics like identity, nature, and family connections

TCM early learning products:

  • Explore and Learn – hands-on, interactive activities designed to support early literacy, numeracy, and social development

Together, these materials help educators create joyful, inclusive classrooms where young children learn through play, discovery, and meaningful interaction.

Yes. Many Teacher Created Materials (TCM) instructional and family engagement resources qualify for multiple federal and state funding categories, including Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, IDEA, and state literacy grants.

This flexibility allows schools and districts to coordinate funding across key initiatives such as:

  • Literacy and reading achievement
  • Social-emotional learning (SEL)
  • STEAM and hands-on learning
  • Bilingual and multilingual education

Because TCM programs are evidence-based, research-aligned, and classroom tested, they meet the requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and many state-level literacy mandates. This makes it easier for schools to maximize their funding impact and implement cohesive, student-centered learning solutions.