Addressing Teacher Shortages Act of 2026

This bill proposes the creation of the Addressing Teacher Shortages Program within the Department of Education to provide grants to local educational agencies. These funds would be used to establish or expand teacher residency and mentorship programs, as well as specific recruitment and training initiatives. Additionally, the bill supports the implementation of evidence-based strategies intended to improve teacher retention and provide ongoing support for educators.

The bill primarily affects local educational agencies, which are eligible to receive federal grants to address teacher shortage challenges. The program also impacts the Department of Education, which is responsible for establishing and overseeing the grant process. Additionally, the legislation affects teachers and prospective educators through the expansion of residency programs, mentorship initiatives, and recruitment and training strategies.

• Establishment of the Addressing Teacher Shortages Program. The Department of Education is required to create a new program to provide grants to local educational agencies for the purpose of addressing teacher shortage challenges.
• Support for Teacher Residency and Mentorship. Grant funds may be utilized to create or expand teaching residency programs and teacher mentor initiatives.
• Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategies. The bill authorizes the use of funds for specified recruitment and training programs, as well as other evidence-based strategies designed to support and retain teachers.

The bill aims to address teacher shortage challenges by establishing a Department of Education grant program for local educational agencies. These grants are intended to support the creation or expansion of teacher residency and mentorship programs, recruitment and training initiatives, and other evidence-based strategies to improve teacher retention.