On November 8, 2022, the National Association of Pupil Services Administrators (NAPSA) joined 41 other national organizations in signing on to a letter supporting the EDUCATORS for America Act (S 3360/HR 6205), which would invest in and revitalize federal educator preparation programs. That has been sent to all members of the US Congress.

The letter states that there were an estimated100,000 classrooms in 2018 staffed by instructors who did not complete some type of educator preparation program (Learning Policy Institute). Also, despite the increased need for PK-12 teachers, the number of students completing bachelor’s degrees in education has been in decline over the last two decades (AACTE), and this shortage has been exacerbated by the pandemic.

In answer to these challenges, the bill ensures that students are taught by fully licensed teachers and authorizes $500 million annually for grants to support states in developing and implementing a statewide strategy for meeting their educator workforce needs, including ensuring an inclusive and equitable workforce that supports the recruitment, preparation, and retention of populations that are underrepresented in the field of education. This includes teachers of color, first generation college students, and teachers with disabilities.

To read the letter in its entirety, click here.

Those in support of the bill can use an action alert to urge members of Congress to co-sponsor the EDUCATORS for America Act. Access the alert at: https://aacte.org/policy-and-advocacy/action-alerts/educators-for-america/

Note: NAPSA is the parent organization for PAPSA and advocates in our nation’s capitol in support of pupil services. You can support these efforts by joining NAPSA through a discounted joint membership. For more details, contact the NAPSA office at [email protected].