Beginning Educator Mentorship and Retention Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4733
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-10: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-02T04:49:14Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation establishes a federal grant program to support induction programs for new teachers and school leaders in public schools. The goal is to improve retention, effectiveness, and support for beginning educators, particularly in high-need settings.
Key Provisions
- Grant Structure: The Secretary of Education awards competitive grants to state educational agencies. States must reserve at least 90% of funds for subgrants to local educational agencies, consortia, or educational service agencies. An additional 5% supports state-level administration, technical assistance, and initiatives (such as rural or affinity networks).
- Induction Program Requirements: Programs must last at least two years and include structured mentoring, collaboration time, classroom observations with feedback, evidence-based instructional strategies, support for students with disabilities and English learners, and data use training.
- Mentor Standards: Mentors must be fully certified, have at least three years of experience, receive training, and be compensated through reduced workloads, salary increases, or stipends.
- Targeting and Matching Funds: States must prioritize subgrants to high-poverty districts and schools with high concentrations of new educators or turnover rates. A 50% non-federal match is required, with exemptions for outlying areas and waivers for hardship.
- Fiscal Rules: Funds must supplement, not supplant, existing resources, and the bill preserves collective bargaining rights.
- Appropriations: Such sums as necessary are authorized starting in fiscal year 2027.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill creates a new standalone grant program rather than amending existing statutes like the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. It introduces detailed federal definitions for induction programs and mentor qualifications while referencing but not altering prior laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for related requirements.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of Education gains new administrative and evaluation responsibilities; 2% of funds are reserved for these functions, plus 1% for similar programs in Bureau of Indian Education schools.
- Citizens and Schools: New and early-career teachers and school leaders receive structured support; students in high-poverty or rural schools may benefit from improved instruction and stability. Districts face requirements to publicly post mentor compensation details.
- International Relations: None identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- State and local educational agencies
- Educational service agencies and educator preparation programs
- Public school teachers, school leaders, and mentors
- Students, especially those who are economically disadvantaged, have disabilities, are English learners, or attend rural or high-turnover schools
- Organizations representing educators
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill includes explicit protections for collective bargaining agreements and labor laws. It emphasizes equity by directing resources to schools serving higher proportions of students of color and economically disadvantaged students. No major constitutional concerns are evident, as the program operates through voluntary grants with standard fiscal safeguards.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-10: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 2026-06-10: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Beginning Educator Mentorship and Retention Act — issued 2026-06-10 — PDF (26 pages)