Bill > S4025

This bill, titled the "Addressing Teacher Shortages Act of 2026," aims to combat the shortage of qualified educators, particularly in under-resourced and underserved communities across the United States, by establishing a competitive grant program. The program, administered by the Secretary of Education, will provide funds to eligible entities—such as local school districts or consortia of districts—to implement evidence-based strategies for preparing and retaining teachers. These strategies can include expanding teaching residency programs, which offer hands-on training and support for aspiring teachers, and "Grow Your Own" programs that recruit and train individuals from within the local community to become teachers. The bill also supports "2+2 programs," which allow students to begin teacher preparation at community colleges before transferring to four-year institutions, and initiatives to encourage STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) majors to enter the teaching profession. A significant portion of the grant funds will be prioritized for rural areas, high-need subject areas like STEM and special education, and for diversifying the teaching workforce to better reflect the student population. Grant recipients will be required to provide matching funds, though waivers may be granted based on economic conditions, and will need to report on program outcomes, including teacher retention rates and the effectiveness of their training. The bill also includes a "Sense of Congress" provision encouraging the formal recognition of teaching as a career pathway within career and technical education programs.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/4025/all-info