In an effort to help schools recruit and train high-quality career and technical education (CTE) teachers, U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced the bipartisan Creating Quality Technical Educators Act last week.
The bill, part of an effort to expand the Higher Education Act’s teacher residency grant program, also was introduced by U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Rob Portman (R-OH) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).
It would help cultivate productive partnerships between high-needs secondary schools and post-secondary institutions, creating year-long teacher residencies for CTE instructors. These residencies would be offered to a targeted group of recent college graduates, as well as mid-career professionals in relative technical fields. There also would be opportunities for veterans and certified teachers with a desire to transition into the CTE arena.
“As our state struggles with high unemployment, this legislation will empower our teachers and students to diversify and grow our economy,” Capito said. “By promoting career and technical training for our teachers, we can better prepare our students and future workforce for the careers of tomorrow.”
The measure has received support from a number of high-profile organizations, including the Alliance for Excellent Education, the American Federation of Teachers, the Association for Career and Technical Education, the National Association of State Directors of Career and Technical Consortium, and Public Advocacy for Kids.