House Committee on Education and Labor
U.S. House of Representatives

Education Issues

Teacher Quality

Having highly qualified teachers in our nation’s classrooms is essential to ensuring all children have an opportunity to receive the most valuable education possible.  Under the No Child Left Behind Act, the federal government has significantly increased funding for teacher quality programs to help states place a highly qualified teacher in every classroom.

Congressional Republicans have long placed a premium on highly qualified teachers.  In recent years, Republicans have continued to work on behalf of our nation’s educators by enacting the "Crayola Credit," which provides a tax deduction for teachers’ out of pocket classroom expenses.  Republicans have also provided funding for a program to assist states in establishing performance-based pay provisions, and have dramatically expanded loan forgiveness for teachers of key subjects who serve in needy schools. 

In the 111th Congress, Republicans will continue working to improve teacher quality and reward teachers for their success in the classroom. 

Press Releases

Kline Highlights New Venue for Americans to Speak Out on Education and Workplace Issues (May 25, 2010)

Teacher Quality Key Focus in Education Reform Efforts (May 4, 2010)

House Education and Labor Committee Republican Website Receives Gold Mouse Award (April 21, 2010)

Please click here for more Press Releases

Fact Sheets

Reauthorizing the No Child Left Behind Act: Top Ten House Republican Priorities (June 25, 2007)

The Teacher Incentive Fund Act (March 23, 2007)

The No Child Left Behind Act: Closing the Achievement Gap in America’s Public Schools (January 4, 2007)

Dear Colleagues

Support to Reward Teachers Who Help Improve Student Achievement Continues to Rise (October 2, 2007)

Protect Locally-Designed Performance Pay Systems for America’s Teachers and Principals (March 26, 2007)

Reward Teachers Who Help Improve Student Achievement (March 23, 2007)

Committee Statements

Castle Statement: Hearing on “Supporting America’s Educators: The Importance of Quality Teachers and Leaders” (May 4, 2010)

McKeon Statement: Hearing on, “Mayor and Superintendent Partnerships in Education: Closing the Achievement Gap” (July 17, 2008)

McKeon Statement: Hearing on "ESEA Reauthorization: Boosting Quality in the Teaching Profession" (May 11, 2007)