EDUCATORS for America Act
1/26/2024, 4:30 PMSummary of Bill HR 2992
The EDUCATORS for America Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 2992, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to support and empower educators across the country by providing them with resources and opportunities for professional development.One key aspect of the EDUCATORS for America Act is the establishment of a grant program that would provide funding for educators to participate in training programs, workshops, and other professional development opportunities. This would help teachers stay up-to-date on the latest teaching methods and technologies, ultimately benefiting their students.
Additionally, the bill aims to improve the recruitment and retention of educators, particularly in high-need schools and subject areas. It includes provisions for loan forgiveness programs for educators who commit to working in underserved communities, as well as incentives for teachers to pursue advanced degrees or certifications. Furthermore, the EDUCATORS for America Act seeks to promote diversity and inclusion in the education workforce. It includes measures to support educators from underrepresented backgrounds, as well as initiatives to address disparities in access to quality education for students of color and those from low-income families. Overall, the EDUCATORS for America Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that aims to support and empower educators in order to improve the quality of education for all students in the United States. It addresses key issues such as professional development, recruitment and retention, and diversity in the education workforce.
Congressional Summary of HR 2992
EDUCATORS for America Act
This bill provides resources to support the recruitment, retention, and preparation of educators.
Specifically, the bill expands the Teacher Quality Partnership program to include training and professional development opportunities for principals and other school leaders.
Additionally, the bill updates the Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence program to support underrepresented candidates in educator preparation programs.
The bill establishes an education careers opportunity program to provide individuals from underrepresented backgrounds with education and training to become educators.
Further, the bill revises the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grant program to raise the maximum amount for TEACH grants.
The bill also expands loan forgiveness for educators by revising the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program, including by
- renaming the program as the Educator Loan Forgiveness Programs,
- making additional loan types eligible for benefits under the program (e.g., parent PLUS loans), and
- expanding program eligibility to early childhood educators and program directors serving in early childhood education programs and school leaders serving in public high-need schools.
Next, the bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to (1) make monthly student loan payments on behalf of the educator during qualifying service (i.e., employment as a full-time qualifying educator in a high-need school or an early childhood education program), and (2) provide complete loan forgiveness after five years of qualifying service.
ED must also carry out a program to provide loan credits to eligible educator borrowers enrolled in income-contingent or income-based repayment plans.
