Education

Teachers

Across America and especially in West Virginia, rural and low-income schools are finding it difficult to attract and retain qualified teachers. To help address this problem, Senator Rockefeller has introduced the Incentives to Educate American Children Act (I TEACH), which would offer a $1,000 tax credit to teachers who work in rural and low-income areas. In addition, the bill would provide a $1,000 tax credit for teachers who have earned a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification. Senator Rockefeller has also championed a tax credit up to $250 for teachers who pay for classroom supplies and related expenses out of their pocket.

To encourage West Virginians to pursue careers as teachers, Senator Rockefeller established a loan forgiveness policy for students who go into teaching or other public service jobs for at least 10 years. The program was signed into law in 2007, allowing graduates to benefit from this program starting in 2017.

To advance the teaching of math and science education, Senator Rockefeller introduced the Math and Science Partnership Act, which was later incorporated into the National Science Foundation. The Partnership program directed NSF to engage in innovative partnerships to promote quality teaching of math and science. It also created the Noyce Scholarship Program to provide scholarships for promising math and science students who are willing to make a commitment to teaching. Both programs have since been expanded and improved through the America Competes Act.