President Biden Releases Build Back Better Package
AACTE expressed its strong support and appreciation for the historic funding for educator preparation programs included in President Joseph Biden’s Build Back Better framework, which was released today. This funding will help ensure that our nation’s classrooms are led by profession-ready and diverse educators. AACTE strongly urges Congress to pass this legislation as quickly as possible to help address the shortage of educators our nation has been experiencing and that has gotten worse in recent years.
Specifically, the Build Back Better Framework provides
- $112.6 million for Grow Your Own programs
- $112.2 million for teacher residency programs
- $112.6 million for the Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Program, which helps prepare educators at minority-serving institutions (MSIs)
- $160.7 million for the preparation of new special educators
These funds are available through September 30, 2025, allowing colleges and universities time to adapt their educator preparation programs to this influx in funding.
The Framework also increases the maximum Pell Grant by $550 for the next academic year and expands eligibility to federal financial aid programs to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. AACTE has previously supported these proposals.
While AACTE strongly supported President Biden’s America Families Plan, which provided even more robust funding for educator preparation programs, the Build Back Better Framework provides much needed investments in these programs.
For additional information, visit the Washington Update by AACTE consultant Jane West.
Tags: advocacy, federal issues, higher education
