Invest in Educators
We support the development of a diverse, skilled, and effective workforce of educators who deliver high-quality instruction and bring new school models to life.
Jump To
The Teacher Collaborative
The Teacher CollaborativeAbout this Strategy
We support both new and experienced educators, who deliver high-quality instruction and bring excellent and equitable schools to life.
We focus our Invest in Educators grantmaking on:
- Research and dissemination of findings about how to build a diverse cadre of high-quality teachers and leaders who can support all students to be successful.
- Systemic, strategic approaches to recruiting, developing, and retaining diverse and high-quality teachers and leaders
- Opportunities for teachers and leaders to explore, learn, and envision new approaches to high school transformation
- Support and skill-building for educators to design, implement, and refine new school models.
Grants & Grantees
Learn more about our Catalyze New Models grants and grantee partners.
News and Insights
The Importance of Candid Feedback
Blog Post
Barr’s VP of Strategy and Programs on why we seek (and share) grantee feedback on what it’s like to work with us.
The Next Phase of Barr’s Racial Wealth Equity Initiative
Blog Post
Future grantmaking to focus on supporting partners advancing racial wealth equity through transforming systems, policy, and narratives
When Foundation Strategies Evolve
Blog PostBarr’s VP for strategy and programs talks about Barr’s approach to shaping and evolving strategy, centered on Barr’s values.
A Time to Be Steadfast
Blog Post
Five Questions with Barr's New VP of People and Talent
Barr NewsPam Jensen shares what led her to Barr, how a commitment to racial equity impacts HR, and advice for job seekers in the social sector.
Barr Awards $36.7 Million in Fourth Quarter Grants
Barr NewsNew grants will help develop a community gathering space in Dorchester; cultivate youth leadership in the climate movement; and support efforts to expand diversity of Massachusetts’ educator workforce.
Three Themes for Advancing Wealth Building and Racial Equity
Blog Post
A series of listening sessions with leaders committed to building wealth highlight the importance of resilience, opportunity, and systems change.
Three New Community Foundations Join “Creative Commonwealth” Partnership – Cambridge, Greater Lowell, and MetroWest
Blog Post
Expanded initiative now includes eight community foundations. Next three years to feature new and deepened investments, experiments, and learning to advance more equitable, vibrant, and sustainable arts and creativity in communities across Massachusetts.
Barr Staffing Updates
Barr NewsWelcoming new additions to the Barr team and acknowledging colleagues assuming new responsibilities.
Progress Report: Centering Racial Equity in Climate Grantmaking
Blog Post
Barr’s Climate Director shares the story and learnings behind our ongoing work to advance a more diverse, inclusive, and equity-centered climate movement.
Embracing Risk and Adapting to Change During the Pandemic
Blog Post
How at the height of the pandemic, a Berkshire County arts organization defied the odds, expanding its services for people with disabilities.
Barr Awards $32.7 Million in Third Quarter Grants
Barr NewsNew grants will assist superintendents with public engagement; support a transportation coalition pursuing a new vision; and activate community-based arts and economic activity in Massachusetts Gateway Cities.
A Strategy Refresh for Barr’s Mobility Work
Blog Post
A next evolution to advance equitable solutions for transportation, community planning, and development in Massachusetts.
New Englanders Welcome the Clean Energy Transition
Blog Post
Recent focus groups underscore widespread enthusiasm for clean energy and urgency for electrification in New England
Little Amal Walks Across Massachusetts
Blog PostA powerful fusion of theater and public art brings together communities to raise awareness for local and global issues
“Helping people achieve things they didn’t think were possible”
Blog Post
Meet the Invest in Educators Team
John Travis
Senior Program Officer, Education
Leah Bennett
she/her
Program Associate, Education
Jenny Curtin
Director of Education