Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) introduced new legislation that would provide Iowa with $15,000,000 to recruit and retain new teachers and invest in professional development for educators, as well as increase resources available to aspiring educators.
The EDUCATORS for America Act, which was introduced in both the House and Senate this week, would provide funds to Iowa to help recruit additional educators at school districts statewide.
The bill would also expand existing grant programs that help train teachers, administrative staff, and applicants interested in entering the teaching profession.
“As a proud mom of two Iowa public school students, I’ve seen firsthand the difference that a quality education from good educators can make in a child’s life. And in the face of the most difficult school years in recent memory, we need to make sure we have the educators in place to continue supporting our students,” said Rep. Axne. “We know that we need more teachers, and that we need to do more to ensure they’re are supported once they’re in the job. With this legislation, we invest in Iowa’s educators — and by doing so, Iowa and our whole nation will see a monumental return on our investment.”
More than a million teachers are expected to retire or leave the education field over the next five years, a recent trend that has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Iowa’s education workforce has shrunk more than 5% since the beginning of the pandemic, according to state data.
Staffing shortages have also prevented existing staff from taking advantage of professional development opportunities that would provide educators with more avenues to remain in their field.
According to the Iowa State Education Association, there is a staffing shortage in almost every school building across Iowa.
Background:
The EDUCATORS for America Act:
- Provides $500 million a year for five years for grants to support states in developing and implementing a statewide strategy for meeting their educator workforce needs.
- Iowa is projected by the Congressional Research Service to receive $3 million a year for five years through this bill.
- Provides an additional $500 million a year for five years to support educator preparation programs and partnerships, including an expansion of the Teacher Quality Partnership Grant Program.
- Doubles the maximum award from a Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant to $8,000, and ensures grants cannot count against other financial aid. These steps ensure Americans interested in a teaching career can get support to complete necessary certification programs.
- Changes the loan forgiveness offered to educators in high-need fields (e.g. STEM) from cumulative after ten years of service to repayment on a rolling basis as educators work in that field.
The measure has the support of University of Northern Iowa, National Education Association, Public Advocacy for Kids, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching, American Federation of School Administrators, STEM Education Coalition, Teach Plus, and others.
"EDUCATORS for America represents a monumental step forward in the effort to grow, retain, and diversify our nation's educator workforce. With our roots in educator preparation, UNI appreciates the opportunity to help advance national policy to invest in our nation's educators and through them the quality of education our children receive," University of Northern Iowa President Mark A. Nook said.
The bill was introduced in the House with Representatives Alma Adams (NC-12), Jahana Hayes (CT-5), and Ruben Gallego (AZ-7).
Identical legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA).
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