FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2024
IRG ACTION PRAISES ASSEMBLY PASSAGE OF TEACHER APPRENTICESHIPS BILL
Bipartisan solution to teacher shortage has already been enacted in 30 other states
DELAFIELD, WI – IRG Action applauds the Wisconsin State Assembly for passing AB 1005 today on the floor on a voice vote, which would enable high-quality teacher apprenticeship programs in Wisconsin.
IRG Action Executive Vice President, Chris Reader stated:
“We applaud the legislature for taking the teacher shortage in Wisconsin seriously. Teachers with more hands-on experience, greater connection to their communities, and less debt are more likely to stay in the profession. Teacher apprenticeships increase quantity, quality, stability, and diversity of teachers and AB 1005 will make high-quality teacher apprenticeships possible in our state.”
WHAT IS IT?
AB 1005, authored by Representative Penterman and Senator Feyen, passed the Assembly today on a voice vote after SB 917 passed the Senate last week.
AB 1005 enables high-quality “teacher apprenticeships” that would minimize teachers’ student debt, increase their quality through more real-life teaching experience, and get more young people to remain in the profession.
Simply put, the teacher shortage is not a red or blue issue. It is a kids-first issue, and enabling teacher apprenticeships puts kids first!
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Governor Evers will have an opportunity to perfect his teacher apprenticeship pilot by signing AB 1005 into law. Wisconsin needs an all-in approach to fix the urgent teacher shortage, and the current pilot doesn’t cut it. AB 1005 is not a duplication of the pilot, which includes just nine technical colleges and one university, but an addition. It will enable ALL higher education institutions in Wisconsin to roll up their sleeves and be part of the teacher shortage solution.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Teacher apprenticeships have been a bipartisan policy across America. The legislation now heads to Governor Evers’ desk where he will have the ability to enact into law high-quality teacher apprenticeships. Because regions like Milwaukee, Madison, and rural western and central Wisconsin are currently cut off from the teacher apprenticeship supply, Governor Evers’ signature would directly aid students and educators in those areas.
Have questions? Reach out to us at info@irgaction.com.
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IRG Action Fund is the 501(c)(4) advocacy partner to the Institute for Reforming Government.