Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – TODAY, U.S. Representatives Haley Stevens (D-MI) and Jahana Hayes (D-CT) introduced the Addressing Teacher Shortages Act to help school districts recruit and train the next generation of public school teachers.
The bill creates a competitive grant program so school districts can pursue a wide range of tools including certification assistance as well as mentorship and professional development for current teachers to increase the pipeline from college to the classroom.
Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced a companion bill in the Senate.
“We’ve seen a profound teacher shortage in Michigan and throughout the U.S. over the past few years which was greatly exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI). “School districts need nimble tools to help fill teacher vacancies, which is why I introduced the Addressing Teacher Shortages Act. Every American child deserves a first-class education and that’s why we need this bill, because a good education starts with enough educators.”
“Teacher shortages continue to overwhelm communities across Connecticut and the nation. In 2023, nearly 9 in 10 public school districts struggled to hire educators. To alleviate this burden, we must provide incentives for educators entering the profession and support once they are in the classroom,” said Rep. Hayes (D-CT). “The Addressing Teacher Shortages Act will provide critical grant opportunities to expand the educator pipeline through mentoring, professional development, certification assistance, and teacher preparation starting as early as high school. These common-sense steps will help ensure the success of educators and students.”
“I hear from Minnesota school superintendents every summer about the many vacancies they’re struggling to fill, an issue that has only gotten harder in the past few years and is even more challenging in small, rural school districts,” said Senator Smith (D-MN). “And it’s especially difficult to hire teachers in key subjects like STEM, technical education, and special education. Ultimately, these shortages hurt our kids and diminish their opportunities. This bill will help schools overcome these challenges and help ensure students get the best education possible.”
“President Biden was right: Teachers need a raise,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers. “Too many school districts are facing educator and staff shortages that directly affect students; shortages mean overcrowded classrooms, increased burnout, and higher turnover. Addressing this problem starts with listening to those in classrooms and providing them the resources and respect they need to do their jobs well. It also means investing more in recruiting and training the next generation of teachers. Rep. Stevens’ bill, the Addressing Teacher Shortages Act, is an example of a real solution for this issue, as it provides additional funding to teaching residency programs, mentor programs and ‘grow-your-own’ teacher programs and encourages high school students to consider and train for a career in education.”
The bill is supported by the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers.
Background
Currently, there are not enough teachers to meet students’ needs, resulting in teacher shortages. These personnel shortages occur because of difficulties both in recruiting and retaining educators. The shortages can be attributed to high attrition levels and burnout in the field, declining enrollment in teacher preparation programs and growing K-12 student enrollment among other challenges.
Ahead of the 2022- 2023 academic year, 78 percent of schools nationwide found it difficult to find qualified teachers for special education and science, according to surveys of school leaders. Schools in rural communities, high-poverty communities, and communities of color were even more likely to experience staffing shortages. Additionally, there is a severe lack of racial diversity in the teaching profession. In fact, only 20 percent of teachers identify as people of color, while 45 percent of students are of color, which creates unique challenges in serving all students well.
The Addressing Teacher Shortages Act seeks to support educators’ preparation and retention to better student outcomes. The bill would create a competitive grant program to which school districts, or a consortium of districts could apply and receive five years of grant funding. The bill would also provide staffing resources at the Department of Education to help under-resourced communities apply for the grant. Additionally, this bill would formally recognize teaching as a part of career and technical education.
Funding under the grant program could be used to establish or expand:
- Teaching residency and teacher mentor programs
- “Grow Your Own” programs
- “2+2” programs
- Programs at an institution of higher education that encourage students majoring in STEM fields to take courses in education
- Teacher preparation pathways in secondary schools
- Other evidence-based strategies to increase teacher retention and support teachers, such as:
- increasing access to technology for professional development in rural areas
- supporting teachers in fulfilling requirements to become certified in an additional subject area, to obtain National Board Certification, or to teach Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or dual or concurrent enrollment programs
- induction programs for new teachers
- tuition assistance, housing allowances, or stipends for student teachers, first-year teachers, and second-year teachers
- professional development for school administrators focusing on teacher leadership or teacher retention
###
