Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) is introducing two bipartisan, bicameral bills aimed at expanding opportunities for men to serve as teachers, educators, and mentors, and encouraging civic engagement among Americans.
What the Bills Do
The Educators for America Act ensures that the federally supported Teacher Quality Partnership residency programs prioritize the recruitment and selection of teacher candidates who are underrepresented in the profession, including men, expands teacher residency programs, and helps schools recruit educators and increase access to positive role models.
Meanwhile, the Building Community in America Act prioritizes national service programs that recruit underrepresented groups (such as men) and expands opportunities to serve in education and mentoring programs, public safety, disaster response, skilled trades, and apprenticeships.
After all, men make up just 23% of teachers and 28% of AmeriCorps volunteers. Supporters note the disparity as many of our nation's boys and young men lack positive male role models.
What Lawmakers are Saying
"Every kid deserves positive role models, and every community is stronger when more people step up to serve," said Sen. Kelly in a press release. "My years in the Navy taught me that service gives you purpose, responsibility and a stronger connection to your community. Right now, too many schools need teachers, and too many mentoring programs need volunteers. We need more men to become teachers, mentors, and volunteers. When more people serve, our kids and our communities are better off."
Senator John Curtis (R-UT), who is cosponsoring the Building Community in America Act in the Senate, said, "At a time when too many young men feel lonely and isolated, we should be creating more opportunities to mentor, volunteer, and connect to a great purpose."
"By helping connect more young men to meaningful service and mentorship programs, our legislation will make our communities healthier, more resilient, and more connected," Sen. Curtis concluded.
Representative Adam Smith (D-WA), who is introducing House companion bills, further commented, "Boys in this country are struggling—in school, in work, and in life. Part of the reason is that so many of them are growing up without men showing up for them, as teachers, coaches, or mentors. This legislation starts to fix that by getting more men into the classrooms and service programs where kids actually spend their time. I’m proud to lead this effort in the House."
