S.Res. 356

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that Members of Congress should substitute teach at least 1 day per year in a public school to gain firsthand knowledge on how to address the prevailing challenges facing educators and how to remove obstacles to learning for students.

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III

115th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. RES. 356

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

December 11, 2017

Mr. Kennedy (for himself and Mr. Whitehouse) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Expressing the sense of the Senate that Members of Congress should substitute teach at least 1 day per year in a public school to gain firsthand knowledge on how to address the prevailing challenges facing educators and how to remove obstacles to learning for students.

Whereas teachers play a critical role in shaping the minds and lives of children;

Whereas there were 3,100,000 full-time public school teachers in 2016;

Whereas approximately 200,000 teachers leave the profession each year;

Whereas in the 114th Congress, there were more than 3 times as many Members of Congress that had backgrounds in public service or politics than Members of Congress that had backgrounds in education; and

Whereas Members of Congress should be on the ground in public schools to understand the challenges that educators and students face, including—

(1)

a growing shortage of teachers;

(2)

issues of teacher pay;

(3)

a lack of resources, in both urban and rural areas;

(4)

teacher preparedness;

(5)

chronic absenteeism among students;

(6)

poverty; and

(7)

parental involvement: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate—

(1)

recognizes the contributions of teachers to the United States;

(2)

thanks teachers for their service; and

(3)

recommends that each Member of Congress spend at least 1 day per year serving as a substitute teacher in a public school.