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

This bill, formally titled 'To support the preparation and retention of outstanding educators in all fields to ensure a bright future for children and youth in under-resourced and underserved communities in the United States, and for other purposes,' aims to support educators. The bill focuses on supporting the preparation and retention of educators. The bill targets under-resourced and underserved communities in the United States.

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 significant teacher shortage in the United States, impacting all locations and fields. The shortage is attributed to factors including growing student enrollment, shrinking class sizes, declining enrollment in teacher preparation programs, and high teacher attrition. Rural schools face particularly acute shortages, especially in special education and STEM fields, due to funding limitations, geographic isolation, and other challenges. Specific subject areas, such as mathematics, special education, science, foreign language, and English as a second language, consistently report shortages across many states. There is a disparity in racial diversity between teachers of color (20%) and students of color (50%), and data suggests this gap may be widening. Better prepared teachers, including those with practice teaching experience, tend to stay in the profession longer and are more effective. Attrition rates for teachers are approximately 8%, with rural teachers experiencing a slightly higher rate. 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 diversity and retention, particularly 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. Terms like 'dual or concurrent enrollment program,' 'elementary school,' 'local educational agency,' and 'secondary school' are defined according to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. A '2+2 program' is defined as a partnership between a junior/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 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 and 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, which provides grants to eligible entities on a competitive basis. Grants awarded under the program must be for at least 5 years and may be renewed based on demonstrated positive outcomes. Eligible entities seeking grants must submit applications detailing proposed activities, evaluation plans, and assurances of compliance. 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 schools within the Bureau of Indian Education. Priority will be given to programs addressing teacher shortages in rural areas, high-need subject areas, and those that diversify the teaching workforce. Eligible activities for grant funds include establishing or expanding teaching residency programs, mentor programs, Grow Your Own programs, and other evidence-based strategies to increase teacher retention. Recipients of grants must provide matching funds from non-Federal sources equal to or greater than the grant amount, although this may be reduced or waived based on economic conditions. 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 program performance at the end of the third and fifth years of the grant. Entities with renewed grants or initial grants longer than five years must submit annual reports. The Secretary must submit reports to specified 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 that teaching should be formally recognized as a career pathway within career and technical education. It references the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302) for the definition of career and technical education. The intent is to make early career pathway programs in education, particularly in STEM education, eligible for career and technical education funding.

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

This section authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act. Funding is authorized for 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: Tina Smith (D-MN)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes the Addressing Teacher Shortages Program to provide grants to local educational agencies and consortia for initiatives aimed at recruiting, preparing, and retaining educators.
Grant priority will be given to programs addressing teacher shortages in rural areas, high-need subject areas like STEM, and those that increase the diversity of the teaching workforce.
Eligible grant activities include establishing or expanding teaching residency programs, mentor programs, and 'Grow Your Own' programs designed to recruit local community members into the teaching profession.
Recipients of grants are required to provide matching funds from non-Federal sources, although this requirement may be reduced or waived based on economic conditions.
The bill encourages the recognition of teaching as a career pathway within career and technical education programs, potentially making early education programs eligible for related funding.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 7883(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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