[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 60 (Thursday, April 29, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H2475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INTRODUCTION OF THE RURAL TEACHERS' RECRUITMENT ACT OF 1999

  (Mrs. CLAYTON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mrs. CLAYTON. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the Rural 
Teachers' Recruitment Act of 1999, a much needed measure designed to 
address teacher shortage, recruitment and retention. Recruiting and 
retaining quality teachers is so important and difficult in schools 
across the country. Accomplishing this goal in rural areas is even a 
greater task.
  Madam Speaker, there is little motivation for teachers to teach and 
to remain in rural areas. My bill offers an incentive to teachers to 
teach in these unrepresented areas.
  The Rural Teachers' Recruitment Act of 1999 allows rural local 
education agencies to submit an application to the Secretary of the 
Department of Education for a grant to develop incentives that they 
like for whatever they like, for recruitment and retaining teachers and 
providing opportunities.
  As we move in the 21st century, it is time to ensure that we have 
talented, dedicated and qualified teachers. We must give these new 
teachers a reason to favor providing instruction in our rural areas. We 
must reduce the shortage of quality teachers in areas where they are 
most needed. Without these teachers, our communities and children are 
the ones who suffer.
  Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues in rural areas and urban 
areas to support my bill, the Rural Teachers' Recruitment Act of 1999.

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