Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates

LOUISVILLE, KY – There’s been lots of talk around boosting teacher pay, keeping teachers in the classroom, and giving teachers the recognition they deserve for not only educating our youngest Kentuckians but also supporting their students’ well-being as they grow into thriving adults. One big piece of the conversation that has consensus across the board – supporting the student-teacher pipeline. This morning, the House Education Committee took real action to help attract and retain high-quality educators with passage of House Bill 377, sponsored by Representative Kim Banta.

The magnitude of teacher shortages is nothing short of a crisis in Kentucky – reaching all schools and subjects, along with declines in enrollment in teacher prep programs and the need for emergency certifications increasing. HB 377 is a pragmatic approach that would create a Teacher Recruitment Student Loan Forgiveness Pilot Program and establish Student-Teacher stipends in eligible programs. By empowering aspiring educators, we can nurture a high-quality learning environment and alleviate financial burdens as they enter the workforce.

We thank Representative Banta for championing HB 377 and Chairman Tipton and the House Education Committee for ensuring its passage today. This legislation, along with the funding allocated in the House’s proposed state budget to implement it, allows Kentucky to build a strong student-teacher pipeline and, ultimately, improve student outcomes.

Stay up-to-date on Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities and other bills that are good for kids on our Kentucky General Assembly Bill Tracker.

###

About Kentucky Youth Advocates
Kentucky Youth Advocates believes all children deserve to be safe, healthy, and secure. As THE independent voice for Kentucky’s children, we work to ensure policymakers create investments and policies that are good for children. Learn more at www.kyyouth.org.