Deremer: Bill to fix teacher shortage

From the office of Rep. Lori Chavez-Deremer,
Press Release,

That’s why I joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues to introduce the Teacher, Principal, and Leader Residency Access Act.

I’ll keep working across the aisle to support our teachers and improve education in Oregon. Learn more:https://t.co/fGFK2eN6Jq

— Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (@RepLCD) July 16, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Jason Crow (CO-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) have introduced a bipartisan bill to allow federal work-study funds to cover costs associated with participating in teacher and principal residency programs, which have proven effective to improve teacher demand, quality, and retention. Specifically, the Teacher, Principal, and Leader Residency Access Act would add teacher and principal residencies to the federal work-study program ensuring no added cost to the taxpayer.

“Oregon students are falling behind, and one way to address this problem is to encourage hardworking college students to pursue degrees in education,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “The Teacher, Principal, and Leader Residency Access Act is a commonsense, bipartisan proposal that would support aspiring teachers and ensure they are financially supported while receiving critical on-the-job experience. I’m honored to co-lead this bill and will keep working to improve education in Oregon.”

“As a Dad, I know how important good teachers are to our kids’ education – yet communities across the US are facing a severe teacher shortage,” said Crow. “Grateful to reintroduce my bipartisan Teacher, Principal, and Leader Residency Access Act with Representatives Chavez-DeRemer, Fitzpatrick, and Hayes to bring in and keep good teachers in the classroom.”

“The success of our next generation hinges upon the guidance and knowledge imparted by our teachers and educational leaders. As we confront a growing teacher shortage, the need for high-quality, skilled, and experienced educators has never been more critical,” said Fitzpatrick. “This bipartisan legislation will invest in our education system, provide aspiring educators enriching opportunities for crucial hands-on experience, and build a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to guide our next generation of leaders here in PA-1 and nationwide.”

“Teacher residency programs are a proven way to equip new educators with the skills and classroom experience necessary to serve students. By allowing Federal Work-Study funds to help cover the cost of residency programs, the Teacher, Principal and Leader Residency Access Act enables struggling school districts nationwide to expand the educator pipeline and keep teachers in the classroom. This bipartisan legislation aims to address the ongoing teacher shortage by investing in educators, which will better position students for long-term success,” said Hayes.

Across the United States, schools face a severe teacher shortage and high turnover due to inadequate preparation of teachers, with over 310,000 positions underfilled or vacant in 2023 – particularly in under-resourced schools with high-minority populations.

This legislation is endorsed by the Public Education & Business Coalition (PEBC) Board, National Education Association (NEA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the National Center for Teacher Residencies, the Colorado Education Association, AASA, The School Superintendents Association, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and the National Rural Education Advocacy Consortium.

Full text of the bill is available HERE.