H.R. 7883: Addressing Teacher Shortages Act of 2026

This bill, known as the Addressing Teacher Shortages Act of 2026, aims to tackle the ongoing teacher shortages across the United States, particularly in under-resourced and underserved communities. It recognizes that there is a growing demand for teachers, exacerbated by several factors including increased student enrollment, a decline in those entering teacher preparation programs, and high turnover rates among current educators, especially in rural areas and certain subject areas like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), special education, and language instruction for non-native speakers.

Key Findings

The bill outlines several findings regarding the current state of the teaching workforce:

• Teacher shortages are particularly severe in rural schools and fields such as STEM and special education.
• Rural areas can face unique challenges like geographic isolation and limited resources, making it difficult to attract and retain qualified teachers.
• The racial diversity among teachers does not match that of the student population, with teachers of color making up only 20% of the workforce while 50% of students are from diverse backgrounds.
• Research indicates that better-prepared teachers tend to stay longer in the profession and achieve better outcomes for students.
• High-quality mentoring and induction programs help increase retention rates among new teachers.

Program Establishment

The bill establishes an "Addressing Teacher Shortages Program" which will be administered by the Secretary of Education. This program will provide grants to eligible entities such as local educational agencies to carry out specified activities aimed at preparing and retaining teachers.

Grant Details

• Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis for a minimum of 5 years and may be renewed based on positive outcomes.
• Eligible entities must submit an application detailing the activities planned and an evaluation plan to measure success.

Eligible Activities for Funding

Grant funds can be used for various purposes, including:

• Establishing or expanding teaching residency programs.
• Implementing teacher mentor programs.
• Launching "Grow Your Own" programs that recruit individuals from local communities into the teaching profession.
• Promoting STEM education pathways and preparing students for teaching careers.
• Supporting other evidence-based strategies to improve teacher retention and professional development.

Evaluation and Reporting

Entities receiving grants must develop evaluation plans that track various metrics of success, including retention rates, licensure pass rates, and diversity among teachers. Reports on program performance are required to be submitted at specific intervals to assess effectiveness.

Financial Requirements

Grant recipients are expected to provide matching funds from non-federal sources at least equal to the grant amount, though waivers or reductions may be permitted based on economic conditions.

Sense of Congress

The bill expresses the sentiment that teaching should be recognized as a career pathway within the broader context of career and technical education, particularly emphasizing STEM education.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes necessary appropriations for the program from fiscal years 2027 through 2032, indicating a long-term commitment to addressing teacher shortages.

Relevant Companies

None found