To help school districts and elementary and secondary schools meet the growing demand for qualified teachers, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) on July 11 cosponsored bipartisan legislation that would ensure federal work-study funding is available for students enrolled in specific residency programs.
“As we confront a growing teacher shortage, the need for high-quality, skilled, and experienced educators has never been more critical,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “This bipartisan legislation will invest in our education system, provide aspiring educators enriching opportunities for crucial hands-on experience, and build a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to guide our next generation of leaders here in PA-1 and nationwide.”
The Teacher, Principal, and Leader Residency Access Act, H.R. 9005, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO), would allow funds granted to an institution to support students serving in residency programs, including compensation for time spent in training and travel directly related to that residency, according to the text of the bill.
Residency programs are school-based educator preparation programs in which a prospective teacher, principal, or other school leader works alongside a mentor teacher, principal, or other school leader for one academic year, the bill says, and receives concurrent instruction during the year from an institution, including courses taught by local educational agency personnel or residency program faculty.
Prior to completion of the program, the prospective teacher, principal, or other school leader attains full state certification or licensure in their area and becomes profession-ready, according to the bill.
“As a dad, I know how important good teachers are to our kids’ education, yet communities across the U.S. are facing a severe teacher shortage,” said Rep. Crow. “Grateful to reintroduce my bipartisan Teacher, Principal, and Leader Residency Access Act… to bring in and keep good teachers in the classroom.”
H.R. 9005 has been endorsed by numerous entities, including the National Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, the National Center for Teacher Residencies, The School Superintendents Association, and the National Association of Elementary School Principals, among others.