Representative Terry's Initiative To Attract & Retain High Quality Educators Passes In House Chamber

Mar 09, 2018 at 10:01 am by bryan


Over this past week, legislators voted unanimously to support passage of State Representative Bryan Terry's (R-Murfreesboro) initiative designed to help Tennessee attract and retain the best and brightest educators.

House Bill 1549 decreases regulatory burdens on highly-qualified school teachers as they proceed from an initial three year license issued by our state to their six year license. The overall goals of the measure are to streamline the licensure process for our exceptional teachers while also enabling them to focus all of their efforts and energy on instructing Tennessee's next generation of leaders.

ADVERTISEMENT
"Recruiting and retaining high quality educators helps all of our students. I appreciate the bipartisan support of this legislation," said Chairman Terry. "While House Bill 1549 is the latest way we can support our teachers and continue moving the needle in education, we have more work ahead in future years. We must ensure that our educators have all the tools and resources they need in order to succeed. When they do, we all benefit."

Tennessee students are the fastest improving in the country across math, reading, and science. Our state has gone from being ranked 49th out of 50 states to 35th in the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) ratings.

Additionally, Tennessee ranks in the Top 10 in percentage increases for K-12 state expenditures, outpacing the national average increase in teacher salaries. Most recently, Chairman Terry helped procure high growth rate funding for Rutherford County and Murfreesboro educational investments.

"Tennessee has made some positive strides in education over the past few years," stated Terry. "But there are still areas of improvement that need to be addressed. It's an honor to stand up for our students, parents, and educators."

House Bill 1549 now heads to Governor Haslam's desk where it will be signed into law. For more information about this initiative, please click here.

Bryan Terry, MD serves as Chairman of the House Health Subcommittee, as well as a member of the House Health and Civil Justice Committees. He lives in Murfreesboro and represents House District 48, which includes the eastern half of Rutherford County. Terry can be reached by calling (615) 741-2180 or emailing: Rep.Bryan.Terry@capitol.tn.gov.

Sections: News