SR 237: Professional Standards Commission; provide recommendations to support the state's K-12 education workforce and teacher and school leader pipeline; urge

Senate Resolution 237

By: Senators Hickman of the 4th, Kennedy of the 18th, Gooch of the 51st, Anavitarte of the 31st and Payne of the 54th

ADOPTED SENATE

A RESOLUTION

Urging the Professional Standards Commission, in collaboration with the Department of Education, the Department of Early Care and Learning, the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia, the Office of Student Achievement, the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia, and the Georgia Student Finance Commission, and with input from education associations, to provide recommendations to support the state's K-12 education workforce and teacher and school leader pipeline; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the strength and success of the state's education system is essential to the economic, social, and cultural development of the state; and

WHEREAS, the recruitment, retention, and professional development of highly qualified educators are critical to ensure that all students receive a high quality education; and

WHEREAS, the state is experiencing challenges in addressing teacher shortages and retaining experienced educators in the early childhood and K-12 education workforce; and

WHEREAS, data show a strong correlation between comprehensive preparation in teacher education programs and higher teacher retention rates, underscoring the importance of effective educator preparation programs; and

WHEREAS, innovative programs and pathways to enter the teaching profession can attract a diverse and talented pool of candidates and strengthen the education workforce; and

WHEREAS, supporting teacher retention through mentorship programs, professional development, and enhanced working conditions can improve educator satisfaction and student outcomes; and

WHEREAS, partnerships and collaboration between state and local education agencies, local school systems, postsecondary educational institutions, and other stakeholders are essential to addressing the complex challenges facing the education workforce.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that:

(1) The Professional Standards Commission is urged to lead a collaborative effort with input from education associations and the Department of Education, the Department of Early Care and Learning, the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia, the Office of Student Achievement, the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia, and the Georgia Student Finance Commission so as to provide the Governor and the General Assembly with comprehensive recommendations to strengthen the K-12 education workforce;

(2) Such recommendations should address, but not be limited to, the following priorities:

(A) Encouraging innovative programs to enter the early childhood and K-12 teaching profession, such as enhanced student teaching models, apprenticeship programs, and "tutors to teachers" pathways;

(B) Collecting, reviewing, and providing data for the success of graduates employed in the teaching profession in Georgia from all teacher education programs, both in state and out of state, to include placement, effectiveness, and retention rates after one, three, five, and ten years;

(C) Exploring partnerships with postsecondary educational institutions and other stakeholders to support improvements to teacher education programs and make recommendations as to the effectiveness and amount of funding to compensate student teachers and the need to reinstate HOPE access to support the teacher workforce;

(D) Improving public awareness of the benefits, including the Teacher Retirement System, and rewards of the teaching profession to attract a diverse and talented pool of candidates; and

(E) Focusing on teacher and school leader retention strategies, including building and expanding mentorship programs for new teachers and improving school leader professional development and other factors that contribute to teacher turnover;

(3) In making such recommendations, particular emphasis should be placed on data evaluation and evidence based practices that improve all aspects of the teacher and school leader workforce; and

(4) The Professional Standards Commission should submit such recommendations to the Governor according to a time frame determined by the Office of Planning and Budget, and to the Senate no later than December 1, 2025, along with any proposed legislation, policy, or budget changes needed to implement their recommendations. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to representatives of the Professional Standards Commission, the Department of Education, the Department of Early Care and Learning, the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia, the Office of Student Achievement, the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia, the Georgia Student Finance Commission, and the Office of Planning and Budget.