Casey, Reed Introduce Better Educator Support & Training (BEST) Act to Bolster Teacher Resources

Press Release

U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Jack Reed (D-RI) announced the introduction of the Better Educator Support & Training (BEST) Act, which would work to improve resources for teachers by equipping educators with resources through additional, targeted funding. The BEST Act seeks to support teachers, principals, and other educators, as well as improve academic achievement through requiring the implementation of evidence-based strategies.

"I'm proud to introduce the Better Educator Support & Training Act, which aims to provide comprehensive resources that educators need to help students achieve their academic best," Senator Casey said. "Making smart investments in our educators will give them the tools they need to ensure that our children get the best education possible."

"Student success in the classroom begins with educators who are well-trained and have the necessary resources to do their jobs. The BEST Act would provide comprehensive support for the entire instructional team, from librarians and counselors to principals and teachers, and would make significant investments in educator mentoring, professional development, and pathways for career growth. We cannot expect teachers to prepare the workforce of tomorrow with yesterday's resources and training. If we want our children have a quality education, with top-notch instruction and support, we've got to invest in our teachers as well as our classrooms," said Senator Reed, whose longstanding work on this issue includes the Effective Teaching and Leading Act and the Educator Preparation Reform Act.

"It's well past time to think that teachers can be thrown the keys to their classrooms and told, "Just do it.' Our students deserved well-prepared educators, and our educators deserve the support they need to do their jobs," said Randi Weingarten, President of American Federation of Teachers. "That's why this bill from Senator Casey and Senator Reed is so important. It helps provide funding for the high-quality mentoring and professional development teachers need to do their jobs well throughout their careers."

"Excellent educators -- teachers, principals, and support staff like special education teachers and school psychologists -- are necessary for students to succeed in school, and proper support is necessary to have excellent educators for every child," said Kevin Lindsey and Joe Bishop, co-chairs of the Coalition for Teaching Quality. "Senators Casey and Reed get educator support right in this bill, which will have a positive impact on students who have been underserved by inexperienced, undertrained, and uncertified teachers for too long."

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