Nebraska Cures sent a letter to members of the Nebraska Legislature’s Education Committee supporting LB 385, a bill providing grants to new teachers and those getting certified to teach science.
The letter read:
Dear Education Committee,
Nebraska Cures has been a leading advocate for health science research for over 20 years. We support policies rooted in science and strive to advance the quality of life and economy for Nebraskans. In alliance with our mission, we strive to educate policymakers on sound health science and address state initiatives regarding health science policy.
I am writing to express our strong support for LB385, the Nebraska Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act. We believe that this bill is vital to ensuring that our schools have the resources they need to attract and retain highly qualified teachers.
One of the biggest challenges facing our education system today is the shortage of talented teachers. This problem is particularly acute in rural and low-income communities, where it can be difficult to attract and retain educators. The Nebraska Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act addresses this problem head-on by providing financial incentives and support to teachers who choose to work in these areas.
The proposed act will address the critical shortage of qualified teachers in our state by providing incentives for individuals to enter the teaching profession and stay in the profession. Specifically, it will provide loan forgiveness, mentoring and induction programs, and competitive salaries for new teachers.
Furthermore, the act will also improve the retention of experienced teachers by providing opportunities for professional development and leadership advancement. This is crucial to ensuring that our teachers are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to be effective educators in the 21st century.
In short, LB385 is a common-sense solution that will help to attract and retain the best and brightest teachers for our students, which is critical for their educational success.
I urge you to support LB385 and work to pass this important legislation. Our students and teachers deserve the best, and this bill will go a long way towards making that a reality.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
David Crouse
Nebraska Cures Board President