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Department of Education Releases Memo on Use of Stimulus Funds for Teachers

using ARP funds and other federal resources to address teacher shortages

The U.S. Department of Education has released a new resource, Using American Rescue Plan Funds and Other Federal Resources to Address Teacher Shortages. The short document outlines how to use American Rescue Plan and other federal resources to implement short- and long-term strategies to address teacher shortages.

Short-term strategies include targeted financial incentives such as retention bonuses and student loan relief, building a workforce of high-quality substitute teachers, and improving working conditions to address teacher well-being. Long-term strategies include increasing teacher pay and strengthening the pipeline into the profession.

The document specifically references shortages in special education among the top shortage areas. It lifts up examples of creative use of federal funds to address shortages, including the state of Indiana, which plans to use more than $2.5 million of stimulus and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B funds to help special education teachers earn teaching licenses.

View the document

Posted:  4 February, 2022
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