Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced on Wednesday that a new “Race To The Top” style competition is being proposed in Congress and is directed at increasing teacher quality and overall performance.

The new 5 billion dollar program is a part of the new budget proposal Obama submitted to Congress this past Monday, February 13th. The administration’s proposed competition will target teachers and require states and districts to compete for the grant money which can be used to increase teacher’s salaries, provide bonuses and compensation for teachers that perform well or indicate progress, and is also targeting colleges and programs that educate future teachers.

Although the overall budget proposal that Obama introduced to the House earlier in the week is a long shot in a Republic controlled House, many are still hopeful that a new program geared toward improving education in America will not be looked over. Obama’s last initiative, Race To The Top has already given some 5 billion dollars in grants to states who have adopted and implemented administration approved changes in their school districts.

Secretary Duncan has stated time and again that almost one million baby boomer teachers will be retiring here in the near future, leaving many jobs open for younger and high performing educators. If approved, the proposed competition would target teachers already working by using methods that increase their performance and motivate them to  progress their teaching methods. As for future teachers, the program will help fund training and recruitment programs that attract young and dedicated educators.