Over the next decade, the Nation's schools will need to hire 2.2 million teachers, over half of whom will be first-time teachers. Many schools already face shortages of qualified teachers, especially in high-poverty communities and in subjects such as math and science. We must do more to attract talented Americans of all ages into teaching.

• Teacher Recruitment Clearinghouse
  A one-stop online resource for prospective teachers seeking jobs and for schools, districts, and states seeking qualified teachers. This site includes access to online job banks and job listings across the country; information on preparing to become a teacher and financing teacher preparation; teacher shortages, salaries, and teaching credentials in each state; district incentives for new teachers; and proven strategies for finding and keeping teachers.

• Transition to Teaching Program
  Grants to school districts, state education agencies, educational service agencies and nonprofit organizations to recruit and prepare mid-career professionals and recent college graduates (without a B.A. degree in education) to teach in high-need subjects and areas in school districts with critical teacher shortages. Those recruited into the program gain teacher certification and receive special follow-up support during their first two years in the classroom, as well as stipends and other financial incentives they need to make the transition to their new career.

• Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants
  Three discretionary grant programs designed to increase student achievement through comprehensive approaches to improving teacher quality:
  • Teacher Recruitment Grants to reduce shortages of qualified teachers in high-need school districts
  • State Grants to support comprehensive statewide reforms to improve teacher quality
  • Partnership Grants to bring about fundamental change and improvement in teacher education

• The Glenn Commission
  A national commission, chaired by former astronaut and Senator John Glenn, that will focus attention on the challenges of math and science teacher recruitment, preparation, retention, and professional growth. In the fall of 2000, the Commission will produce a report describing specific action steps that policymakers can take to address these challenges.

• Contextual Teaching and Learning
  A national teacher education project to identify, study and disseminate the characteristics of preservice programs that prepare teachers to use contextual teaching and learning strategies to improve student achievement.

• Loan Forgiveness
  A possibility to cancel or defer student loans for teachers serving in low-income or subject-matter shortage areas.

• Pell Grants
  Awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned bachelors or professional degrees. Unlike federal loans, these grants do not have to be repaid.

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