WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 27, 2021 – The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) supports the reintroduction of the Teacher and School LEADERS Act by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Scott (R-SC), and Mark Warner (D-VA) this past Thursday in Congress.

We know that educators are the most important factor in student learning. Inequitable access to a well-prepared, diverse, supported, and stable educator workforce translates into a denial of opportunities to learn. For students with disabilities, the shortage of special education teachers in 48 states and the District of Columbia has significantly affected the provision of quality instruction and special education services. 

“Educator shortages have been widespread in special education and the pandemic has and continues to threaten the teacher workforce.” said Lindsay E. Jones, President and CEO of NCLD. “These inequities will be exacerbated without further action. We applaud Senators Cornyn, Bennet, Scott, and Warner for their leadership on this issue by introducing legislation that invests in and supports teachers.” 

The Teachers and School LEADERS Act would expand the critical Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) Grant program, which supports comprehensive educator preparation programs. This program provides professional development to educators to aspire to fill leadership roles in high-need schools. It also allows districts that receive grants to have greater flexibility over which partners to work with based on shortage areas. NCLD urges Congress to take swift action on this issue and pass the Teacher and School LEADERS Act.

Read the full statement here.

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ABOUT NCLD

The National Center for Learning Disabilities’ mission is to improve the lives of the 1 in 5 children and adults nationwide with learning and attention issues—by empowering parents and young adults, transforming schools and advocating for equal rights and opportunities.

For more information, please contact:

Lindsay Kubatzky, Policy Manager

lkubatzky@ncld.org