American Teacher Act
American Teacher Act
Plain Language Summary
# American Teacher Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The American Teacher Act would provide federal grants to help states and school districts increase teacher salaries. Specifically, it would establish a minimum annual salary of $60,000 for public elementary and secondary school teachers (adjusted yearly for inflation) and provide additional grants to help districts offer cost-of-living adjustments. The bill also funds a national campaign to promote teaching as a career and encourage more people—particularly from underrepresented groups—to enter the profession. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily affect public school teachers across the country, as well as state and local school districts that would receive and distribute the federal funding.
It could also influence college and high school students considering career paths, and ultimately impact students through improved teacher recruitment and retention. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. No action has been taken to move it forward at this time.
CRS Official Summary
American Teacher ActThis bill establishes grants to increase the minimum salary of public elementary and secondary school teachers. It also authorizes a national campaign regarding the value of the teaching profession.First, the bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award four-year grants to state educational agencies (SEAs) and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies to establish a minimum annual salary of $60,000 (to be adjusted annually for inflation) for these teachers.Second, the bill directs ED to award grants to eligible SEAs to provide cost-of-living adjustments to the annual base salary of teachers.Finally, the bill authorizes ED to carry out a national campaign to (1) increase awareness about the importance of teachers and the value of the teaching profession, (2) encourage secondary school and college students to consider teaching as a professional career, and (3) diversify the pool of individuals who enter the teaching profession.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.