(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District—KS) today voted for H.R. 438, a bill which will help the nation’s schools address one of their most pressing needs—teacher shortages.

“Local school districts all over the country are struggling to find qualified teachers—in the meantime, enduring overcrowded classrooms and overworked educators,” said Moore. “Urban, rural, and suburban districts are equally affected by this problem, which is caused by demographic trends and a low teacher retention rate. The best way to address this issue is to provide young men and women a financial incentive to become teachers.”

H.R. 438, the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act of 2003, provides up to $17,500 in federal loans for math, science, and special education teachers in Title 1 schools where at least 30 percent of students live in poverty. The bill provides loan relief dispersed over the course of 5 years, rather than in a lump sum at the conclusion of service.

“At a time when 22 percent of all new teachers are likely to leave the profession within their first three years, we must take action to improve retention rates. This bill is a good start at putting our money where our priorities are, but I hope my colleagues will act on additional efforts to help teachers,” Moore said.

Moore introduced similar legislation with more far-reaching emphasis in early May after offering a comparable measure in the 106th and 107th sessions. His bill, H.R. 1751, would offer up to $17,500 in relief for educators who work in low-income schools, teach special education, or teach in a designated shortage area (as defined by the state departments of education).

Under Moore’s bill, loan forgiveness would also be available to existing teachers who return to school to become certified in another field of study. H.R. 1751 would also help existing teachers become certified in new academic fields or attain higher levels of education, in accordance with requirements implemented by the No Child Left Behind Act.

“It is critical that we help our school districts,” Moore said. “This shortage is happening all over the country, and it is time to recognize that recruiting and retaining good teachers is a national priority worthy of federal investment.”