June 2, 2025 — On behalf of the National Center for Teacher Residencies (NCTR), CEO Kathlene Campbell, Ph.D., issued the following statement in response to the U.S. President’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget:
We are concerned by the President’s proposal to eliminate federal funding for teacher preparation programs—support that has long enjoyed bipartisan backing in Congress. Programs such as Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED), Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP), Teacher and School Leader Incentive Program (TSL), and the Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence have a strong track record of helping ensure that every child has access to a well-prepared, effective educator. We are grateful the Administration proposes to continue to provide funding for Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants, which enables individuals from low-income backgrounds to enter the teaching profession; however, eliminating all other federal funding to support teacher preparation puts schools, communities, students, and our nation at risk.
Much of the United States is currently facing a significant and growing teacher shortage, particularly in high-need subject areas such as STEM, special education, and multilingual education, as well as in rural and underserved communities. According to a 2023 report by the Economic Policy Institute, this shortage is both widespread and deepening, making it even more important to invest in proven solutions.
High-quality teacher preparation programs are a key part of the solution. Research consistently shows that teachers who enter the profession through comprehensive, evidence-based training—featuring clinical experience, mentorship, and sustained professional development—are more likely to stay in the profession and positively impact student learning. Programs like TQP and SEED are designed to support exactly this kind of preparation.
We look forward to working with Congress—on both sides of the aisle—to preserve funding for these critical programs. Together, we can ensure that every child, in every ZIP code, has access to a qualified, well-supported teacher who is ready to help them succeed.