[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 29, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF THE TEACHER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION ACT OF 2003

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                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 29, 2003

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today, I am proud to join 
my colleagues in introducing the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act 
of 2003. This bill reflects the commitment of the President and of this 
Congress to increase the number and enhance the quality of teachers in 
the nation's classrooms. Most pointedly, the bill expands the current 
teacher loan forgiveness program from the current $5,000 to a maximum 
of $17,500 for teachers who commit to teaching math, science, or 
special education for five years in some of our nation's most 
disadvantaged schools.
  Congress and the Bush Administration have worked hard to improve the 
educational system and a good deal of our effort has been focused on 
improvements to the education that disadvantaged students receive. The 
No Child Left Behind Act calls for states to have a highly qualified 
teacher in every public school classroom by the end of the 2005-2006 
school year. Since we are demanding that our children be instructed by 
a competent teaching force, we must also do all we can to encourage the 
best and the brightest to enter this very important field.
  The Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act of 2003 will take a 
landmark step in addressing the growing teacher shortage. The bill 
provides a strong incentive for individuals to enter the field of 
teaching and to make a long-term commitment to the students that need 
them the most. We need to do all we can to encourage college students 
to take on one of the most challenging, rewarding and important careers 
that exist.
  There is nothing more important to our nation's future than the 
education of our children. The Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act of 
2003 will help to fulfill our responsibility to children by ensuring 
that our most competent and caring teachers are adequately supported in 
their charge to educate our nation's future.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and continue our 
commitment to the men and women of this country who do so much to 
advance our nation and its children.

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