CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT TEACHERS AND STRENGTHEN OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM

(Washington, D.C.) — Today, in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, Congressman Joe Morelle announced he has introduced legislation to strengthen resources for teachers and help maximize student potential. The Developing and Advancing Innovative Learning Models Act would create a federal investment in the research and development of Innovative Learning Models to enable schools to adapt to modern educational needs.

“Teachers are invaluable to our schools, our communities, and our families. The best way to honor the essential role they play is by ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to be successful,” said Congressman Morelle. “That’s why this Teacher Appreciation Week, I’m introducing legislation to support teachers by increasing access to innovative learning models, allowing them to better meet students where they are and ensure they are college and career ready.

"Providing teachers with the resources and tools they need is essential for their success in educating our students. Our teachers work tirelessly to provide America's youth with a top-notch education, the least we can do is ensure they have access to innovative learning models," said Congressman David Trone. "I'm proud to join Congressman Morelle in introducing this bill during Teacher Appreciation Week to better support both our teachers and students nationwide."

"Schools have been operating with the same one-teacher-24-students-in-a-box model for over a century. It's past time to move beyond it. The bill is a critical step in modernizing K-12 schools to work better for students, teachers, and our nation," said Joel Rose, CEO of New Classrooms.

“Educators show up every day to ensure students have the skills they need to do well no matter what the future holds, no matter what the next new technology brings, and no matter what challenges they may face. This legislation will provide the much-needed tools and resources to support teachers as they introduce new technology into their classrooms and help their students navigate these opportunities responsibly, with the irreplaceable, hands-on guidance that an educator can provide. By giving teachers the training and professional development they need to do their jobs in a world of ever-evolving tech, kids will be better equipped to use these tools in smart ways as they continue on to college, career and life,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers.

Innovative Learning Models (ILMs) expose teachers to bundles of integrated tools, resources, systems, and pedagogical practices, which can be used to maximize student potential and allow them to thrive in and contribute to the world around them.

The legislation would:

• Authorize $570 million in annual competitive funding to support the research and development of new ILMs
• Authorize $180 million in annual formula funding in the Department of Education over the next 10 years to support the adoption of ILMs

Read more here.

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