Bill Would Help Qualified Teachers Resume Profession More Quickly After Moving

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) introduced legislation in the House of Representatives to make it easier for teachers who move from one state to another to resume their teaching careers after the move.  The Educators Achieving Reciprocity Now (EARN) Act amends section 1119 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to ensure that any state accepts the licensure a teacher received in another state, as long as the teacher has at least five years of service and has received satisfactory performance reviews.

“I am proud to introduce the EARN Act, legislation which will make it easier for America’s teachers to resume their careers after they move from one state to another,” said Rep. Baca.  “Too often, qualified teachers and their families are forced to wait months and sometimes even years before they receive the proper licensing to resume teaching after a move.  This loss of income can be devastating to a family, and the delay in hiring teachers creates one more burden for many of our already overcrowded schools.  My legislation will remove this waiting period, and get qualified teachers back in the classroom sooner.”

The teacher licensing requirement for most states is a rigorous process combining undergraduate and graduate course work, in class student-teaching experience, and standardized testing.  While a few states already have meaningful reciprocity agreements, many do not have any such policies in place.  The EARN Act would not weaken state licensing requirements, but would instead ensure all fifty states implement teacher reciprocity programs, as long as a teacher has at least five years of experience and has been deemed to be performing satisfactorily in the classroom.     

“Even during these difficult economic times, America’s need for qualified teachers continues to grow,” said Rep. Baca.  “My bill can help to reduce this shortage in teachers by getting successful educators back in the classroom in short order after a move.  I am happy to introduce this legislation, and will continue to explore every opportunity so that America’s children receive the best education possible to compete in the twenty-first century workforce.”