Senate Passes Leader Jones’s Measure to Help Fix Teacher Shortage

Today, legislation by Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) to help fix California’s teacher shortage was approved by the State Senate with strong bipartisan support. Senate Bill 811 will make it easier for teachers to move throughout the country and bring more teachers to the state by authorizing California to be a founding member of the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact (ITMC). This measure is especially critical for teachers in military families who are frequently called to relocate on short notice. Click here for a fact sheet on SB 811.

“California is facing a serious teacher shortage,” said Leader Jones. “We need swift and unwavering action to accelerate the teacher credentialing process, while maintaining the integrity of this workforce responsible for shaping our next generation. SB 811 is a critical tool for teachers moving to our state, particularly in military families, and benefits both the teaching profession and California’s students.”

The ITMC allows teachers to use an eligible license held in a compact member state to be granted an equivalent license in any other compact member state, lowering barriers to teacher mobility and bringing more teachers to California. This measure is especially critical for teachers in military families who are frequently called to relocate on short notice.

SB 811 is supported by the U.S. Department of Defense, Los Angeles County Office of Education, Military Officers Association of America, National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification, San Diego Military Advisory Council, along with several others. The measure passed off the Senate Floor with overwhelming bipartisan support and now goes to the Assembly for consideration.