What does Preamble of Addressing Teacher Shortages Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to support the preparation and retention of educators. The focus is on educators in all fields. The bill targets under-resourced and underserved communities in the United States. The stated goal is to ensure a bright future for children and youth.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Addressing Teacher Shortages Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Addressing Teacher Shortages Act of 2026

What does FINDINGS. of Addressing Teacher Shortages Act of 2026 do?

This section identifies a nationwide teacher shortage, driven by factors like increasing enrollment, shrinking class sizes, declining enrollment in teacher preparation programs, and high attrition rates. The teacher shortage is particularly acute in rural schools and specific subject areas, including STEM, special education, and English as a second language. Rural schools face unique challenges in recruiting and retaining teachers due to funding limitations, geographic isolation, and often, inadequate resources and lower salaries. Significant shortages exist in mathematics, special education, science, foreign language, and English as a second language, with many states reporting difficulties in these areas. There is a disparity in racial diversity within the teaching workforce, with teachers of color representing 20% compared to 50% of students. Data suggests that better-prepared teachers, particularly those with practice teaching experience, are more likely to remain in the profession. Attrition rates are approximately 8% overall, with rural teachers experiencing slightly higher rates. Mentoring and induction programs are highlighted as effective tools for improving teacher retention and student achievement. Teacher residencies and 'Grow Your Own' models are presented as promising strategies for increasing teacher diversity and retention, especially in hard-to-staff schools.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Addressing Teacher Shortages Act of 2026 do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. Several terms, such as 'dual or concurrent enrollment program,' 'elementary school,' 'local educational agency,' and 'secondary school,' are defined based on their meanings in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. A '2+2 program' is defined as a partnership between a junior or community college and a 4-year institution allowing teacher candidates to transfer credits. A 'certified teacher' is an individual with documentation verifying they meet state requirements for public school employment. An 'eligible entity' is a local educational agency or a consortium of such agencies. A 'Grow Your Own program' aims to recruit local school graduates and community members into the teaching profession. The definition of 'historically Black college or university' aligns with 'part B institution' under the Higher Education Act of 1965. The definition of 'induction program' is modified to include specific requirements for mentors and opportunities for new teachers. A 'qualified mentor teacher' must meet qualification standards and be selected to provide support and mentorship to teacher candidates or new teachers. The term 'rural school district' refers to a district with schools located in a 'rural area,' as defined in the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.

What does ADDRESSING TEACHER SHORTAGES PROGRAM. of Addressing Teacher Shortages Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes the Addressing Teacher Shortages Program to award grants to eligible entities for activities aimed at addressing teacher shortages. Grants awarded under the program will be for a minimum of 5 years and may be renewed based on demonstrated positive outcomes. The Secretary will determine the minimum number and dollar amount of grants based on available funds. A portion of grant funds (5%) are reserved for the Secretary of the Interior to support Bureau of Indian Education schools. Priority will be given to programs addressing teacher shortages in rural areas, high-need subject areas, and those that diversify the teaching workforce. Eligible entities must provide matching funds equal to or greater than the grant amount, unless the Secretary determines a reduction or waiver is necessary. Funds can be used for activities such as establishing teaching residency programs, teacher mentor programs, and Grow Your Own programs. The Secretary will designate personnel to support under-resourced eligible entities with grant application preparation.

What does EVALUATION AND REPORTING. of Addressing Teacher Shortages Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines evaluation and reporting requirements for entities receiving grants under section 4(a)(1)(A). Applicants must include an evaluation plan with measurable performance objectives in their grant applications. The evaluation plan must include objectives and measures related to educator retention, licensure/performance assessment, hiring by high-need LEAs, representation of underrepresented groups, teaching high-need fields, and teaching in high-need schools. Eligible entities must submit reports to the Secretary regarding the program's performance at the end of the third and fifth years of the grant. Entities with renewed or extended grants must submit annual reports. The Secretary must submit reports to the relevant Congressional committees on the strengths and weaknesses of the grant program every two years.

What does SENSE OF CONGRESS. of Addressing Teacher Shortages Act of 2026 do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress regarding teaching as a career pathway. Teaching is considered part of career and technical education. Early career pathway programs in education, especially STEM, may be eligible for career and technical education funds.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of Addressing Teacher Shortages Act of 2026 do?

This section authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act. The authorized funding period spans fiscal years 2027 through 2032.

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Addressing Teacher Shortages Act of 2026

Last updated: 3/9/2026 · Introduced: 3/9/2026

Author: Haley Stevens (D-MI)

TL;DR (AI)

The Addressing Teacher Shortages Act of 2026 establishes a grant program to support local educational agencies and consortia in addressing teacher shortages, particularly in rural areas and high-need subject areas like STEM and special education.
Grant funds awarded under this Act can be used to create or expand programs such as teaching residency programs, teacher mentor programs, and 'Grow Your Own' initiatives designed to recruit and retain educators.
Priority for grant funding will be given to programs that aim to diversify the teaching workforce and increase the representation of teachers of color.
Eligible entities receiving grants must provide matching funds equal to or greater than the grant amount, although waivers may be possible.
The Act requires grantees to evaluate program performance based on metrics including educator retention, licensure, and representation in high-need schools and fields, with regular reporting to the Secretary of Education and Congress.

119th Congressin committeeS. 4025(In Committee)Official page

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