AUGUSTA - Rep. Holly Eaton, D-Deer Isle, introduced legislation Monday to support rural teachers and expand the teacher workforce in rural areas.
"From Deer Isle to Farmington to Madawaska, our rural schools and teachers need more support," said Eaton. "This bill takes several steps in the right direction, including financial incentives for qualified students to do their student teaching in rural schools and a program to support qualified rural teachers in schools with continuing their education."
LD 1491 would increase the recruitment of teachers by expanding access to teacher preparation programs. It would also provide up to 20 grants to financially assist student teachers and 15, one-time stipends to support the continuing education of teachers currently working in rural areas. Additionally, the bill would direct the Maine Department of Education to appoint a rural education coordinator to increase the recruitment of teachers in rural areas and support and improve access to teacher preparation programs for those willing to teach in rural parts of the State.
The Education and Cultural Affairs Committee will hold a work session on the bill in the coming weeks. Eaton is serving her first term in the Legislature and is a member of the Marine Resources Committee. She represents Brooklin, Deer Isle, Frenchboro, Marshall Island, Southwest Harbor, Stonington, Swan's Island, Tremont, Eagle Island Township, Isle au Haut and Vinalhaven.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Eaton], c. 305-965-2744