EDUCATORS for America Act
1/25/2024, 1:30 PMSummary of Bill S 1341
Bill 118 s 1341, also known as the EDUCATORS for America Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the goal of supporting and empowering educators across the country. The bill aims to address various issues facing educators, such as teacher shortages, professional development opportunities, and teacher retention.One key aspect of the EDUCATORS for America Act is the establishment of a grant program to help recruit and retain high-quality teachers in high-need schools. This program would provide funding for initiatives such as mentorship programs, teacher residency programs, and financial incentives for educators working in underserved communities.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions for expanding professional development opportunities for teachers, with a focus on evidence-based practices and strategies to improve student outcomes. It also seeks to improve teacher preparation programs by promoting partnerships between schools, districts, and institutions of higher education. Furthermore, the EDUCATORS for America Act aims to address the issue of teacher burnout and turnover by providing support for mental health services and resources for educators. The bill also includes measures to promote diversity and inclusion in the teaching profession, with a focus on recruiting and retaining teachers from underrepresented backgrounds. Overall, the EDUCATORS for America Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that seeks to support and empower educators in order to improve the quality of education for all students. It addresses key issues facing the teaching profession and aims to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for educators across the country.
Congressional Summary of S 1341
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.
