U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha, D-Johnstown, chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, announced Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded Intermediate Unit 1 a $147,037 grant for the professional development for arts educators program. IU 1 provides curriculum development, educational planning, and special education and instruction services for children and adults in Fayette, Greene and Washington counties.

The project, titled "Arts Educator 2.0," will create a staff-development program to assist art and music educators throughout the IU 1. Program mentors will observe educators in the classroom to guide future professional development services. A minimum of 20 K-12 visual arts and music educators that are teaching throughout IU 1 will participate.

The project aims to improve the retention of highly qualified staff and increase student engagement, thus improving student achievement, according to Murtha.