Bills · HR 2021
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 2021Teaching, teachers, curriculaEducation programs funding
American Teacher Act
INTRO MAR 10· LAST ACTION MAR 10
READING
10MIN
COSPONSORS
100
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it directly addresses the issue of low teacher pay, which is often cited as a major reason for teacher shortages and high turnover rates in schools nationwide. By setting a federal minimum salary goal and providing financial support, the bill aims to make teaching a more attractive and sustainable career. If this bill becomes law, it could lead to better-paid teachers, potentially attracting more talent to the profession and improving the quality of education for students across the country.
If the bill doesn't pass, the problem of teacher shortages and the 'teacher wage penalty' (where teachers earn less than other college graduates) would likely continue. This could mean ongoing challenges for schools to fill vacancies, larger class sizes, and a continued reliance on less experienced or temporary staff, potentially impacting student learning and overall educational outcomes.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
The bill establishes a grant program for State Educational Agencies (SEAs) to help them increase teacher salaries.
This provision creates the funding mechanism to support states in raising teacher pay.
PROVISION 02
It sets a minimum annual salary target of $60,000 for full-time public school teachers, adjusted for inflation, starting in the 2026-2027 school year.
This establishes a clear financial goal for teacher compensation that aims to make salaries more competitive.
PROVISION 03
States applying for grants must submit a plan demonstrating how they will sustain the minimum salary requirements after the four-year grant period ends.
This ensures that salary increases are not temporary and that states commit to long-term financial support for teachers.
PROVISION 04
States must use at least 85% of grant funds to award subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs), with priority given to those serving high-poverty or rural schools.
This directs funds to the local level where teachers are paid and prioritizes areas often most affected by teacher shortages and lower pay.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 100
D· Florida
YRS IN OFFICE
15
BILLS LED
29
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 2%
DEM 99 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 10
Introduced in House
MAR 10
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 2021
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 10, 2025
Last actionMar 10, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 10, 2025
House BillHR 2021Teaching, teachers, curriculaEducation programs funding
American Teacher Act
INTRODUCED MAR 10, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 10, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
10 min
COSPONSORS
100
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
