Addressing Teacher Shortages Act of 2026

This bill would direct the Department of Education to create the Addressing Teacher Shortages Program, which would provide grants to local educational agencies to help resolve teacher shortage issues. These grant funds could be used to establish or expand teacher residency and mentor programs, as well as specific recruitment and training initiatives. Additionally, the program would support evidence-based strategies intended to improve teacher retention and provide ongoing support for educators.

This bill primarily affects local educational agencies, which are eligible to receive federal grants to address teacher shortages. The legislation also impacts teachers and prospective educators through the establishment or expansion of residency programs, mentorship initiatives, and recruitment and training efforts. Additionally, the Department of Education is responsible for administering the new grant program.

• Establishment of the Addressing Teacher Shortages Program. The Department of Education is directed to create a new program to provide grants to local educational agencies for the purpose of mitigating teacher shortages.
• Support for Teacher Residency and Mentorship. Grant recipients may use funds to create or grow teaching residency programs and teacher mentor initiatives.
• Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategies. The bill authorizes the use of funds for specific recruitment and training programs, as well as other evidence-based methods designed to support and retain teachers.

The bill aims to address teacher shortage challenges by establishing a Department of Education program to award grants to local educational agencies. These funds are intended to support teacher retention and recruitment through the creation or expansion of teaching residencies, mentor programs, and other evidence-based training strategies.