Saint Paul, MN—Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, introduced bipartisan legislation on Monday aimed at addressing teacher shortages in certain disciplines and subject matter areas throughout the state through the creation of a loan forgiveness program.
Under
Bennett's proposal, a program would provide loan forgiveness to teachers who teach in areas identified as "teacher shortage areas" which are determined on an annual basis by the commissioner of education.
"It's a shame that students in some schools are lacking educational opportunity because of the lack of qualified, licensed teachers in their communities," Bennett said. "This bill will help bring the qualified teachers we need to the schools that need it most, and help out students, teachers, and schools in Greater Minnesota as well as the Metro."
Bennett pointed specifically to Special Education as one area where both Metro and Greater Minnesota schools struggle to find qualified applicants to fill positions. She added that numerous school districts across Greater Minnesota have openings they can't fill in certain subject areas, and that this bill is one way to address the teacher shortage.
"Students should receive a well-rounded education no matter what part of the state they live in. To make that goal a reality, we need to make sure we have the teachers necessary to teach students in every subject matter. This loan forgiveness program is a small piece of the puzzle, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to find more ways to address this problem."
The bill was referred to the Education Innovation Policy Committee where it awaits its first hearing. The bill is co-authored by Education Finance Chair Rep. Jen Loon, R-Eden Prairie, and DFL Rep. Carlos Mariani, DFL-St. Paul, the DFL-Lead on the Education Innovation Policy Committee.
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