Sen. Pierce bill to address teacher shortage earns initial Senate approval
AUGUSTA — On Thursday, the Maine Senate gave initial approval to a bill that addresses Maine’s teacher shortage. LD 1608, “An Act to Address Teacher Shortages Through Financial Assistance and Career Advancement Opportunities,” sponsored by Sen. Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, would extend a successful, existing program.
“We are all aware of the critical need we have in Maine to recruit and train teachers for our PreK-12 schools,” said Sen. Pierce. “As legislators, we are always looking for programs that work and have proven results. This program does just that and for a modest investment, this program has the potential to recruit and train close to 100 teachers annually for employment in our schools all over the state. I am glad my colleagues in the Senate recognized the need for this legislation and acted accordingly.”
LD 1608 seeks to build off an existing, successful program that first began as a 2019 pilot program through University of Southern Maine and the Biddeford Public Schools. That program was such a success that the University of Maine System (USM) pursued and received $1 million in federal funds through Senators King and Collins and the Congressional Directed Spending Fund. As amended, the program would be funded through the University of Maine System.
The University of Maine, Educate Maine, Maine Education Association, and Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities all testified in support of LD 1608.
LD 1608 now faces final votes in the Senate and House.
