Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)
Washington, DC — This week, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, alongside Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (D-CT), introduced the Addressing Teacher Shortages Act, bicameral legislation to help schools recruit, prepare, and retain the educators needed to support students and strengthen our nation’s education system.
Across the country, school districts are facing persistent teacher shortages that threaten student success. Identifying and hiring qualified educators, particularly in high-demand areas such as special education and science, has become a challenge. This puts even more of a burden on hardworking teachers currently in the strained workforce. Rural communities, high-poverty communities, and communities of color are disproportionately affected by these staffing shortages.
“As the daughter of a public school teacher, I know teachers are the backbone of our education system and the foundation of opportunity for every student,” said Congresswoman Haley Stevens. “Yet in Michigan and across the country, schools are struggling to recruit and retain the educators our students deserve. The Addressing Teacher Shortages Act invests in Michigan’s educators by expanding teacher preparation programs, strengthening mentorship opportunities, and building pathways for the next generation of teachers right here in our communities.”
“Building a stronger education system is one of the smartest investments we can make. I hear from Minnesota schools every year about the shortages they can’t seem to fill, and that it’s only getting worse. Smaller and rural districts particularly struggle to fill spots, but no matter where it is, we can’t seem to hire teachers in key subjects like STEM, technical education and special education,” said Senator Tina Smith. “These shortages hurt our students the most, and that’s why this legislation is so critical. Our kids deserve fully staffed schools.”
“In 2025, the Connecticut Department of Education identified 11 certification areas, ranging from math to special education, as experiencing critical shortages. Teacher shortages affect student outcomes,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. “Expanding the educator pipeline, enhancing professional development, and improving teacher preparation will help attract and retain those we need most into the profession. The Addressing Teacher Shortages Act is a positive step in addressing these issues.”
“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,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers. “Rep. Stevens’ and Sen. Smith’s 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 Addressing Teacher Shortages Act would establish a competitive federal grant program that school districts can apply to for five years of funding to strengthen teacher recruitment, training, and retention. The bill also provides staffing resources at the United States Department of Education to help under-resourced communities apply for and access these grants.
The bill gives school districts broad latitude to determine how best to spend the grant money to hire and retain qualified teachers in their communities. Grant funding could be used by school districts and education partners to establish or expand:
- Teacher residency and mentorship programs to support early-career educators
- “Grow Your Own” programs that recruit graduates and community members to teach in their local schools
- “2+2” teacher preparation partnerships between community colleges and four-year universities
- Programs encouraging STEM majors to pursue education coursework and teaching careers
- Teacher preparation pathways in secondary schools
Funding could also support proven strategies to improve teacher retention, including:
- Expanding access to technology for professional development in rural areas
- Supporting teachers seeking additional subject certifications, National Board Certification, or credentials to teach Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or dual-enrollment courses
- Induction programs for new teachers
- Tuition assistance, housing allowances, or stipends for student teachers and early-career educators
- Professional development for school leaders focused on leadership and teacher retention
Endorsers of this legislation include: the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association, and the Michigan Education Association.
The text of the legislation can be found here.
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