Washington, DC – House Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller (D-Ca.), Congressman William J. Jefferson (D-La.) and Congressman Charlie Melancon (D-La.) introduced legislation  today aimed at curbing a critical teacher shortage in New Orleans and surrounding communities by offering them financial incentives.  The legislation would also provide funding to schools and colleges in those communities to assist them in paying off debt and to help them eradicate other problems they’ve encountered since Hurricane Katrina shut down New Orleans in August of 2005.  The proposed bill is called the “Revitalizing New Orleans by Attracting America’s Leaders (RENEWAAL) Act of 2007.”

In the wake of Katrina, one of the biggest obstacles our city has faced is attracting professionals, like excellent teachers, to come back to New Orleans”, Jefferson said.

“Getting New Orleans’ education system working again at full capacity should be one of Congress’ top priorities.  Chairman Miller, Congressman Melancon and I are determined to not only re-open all of New Orleans’ public schools, but we seek to improve their quality drastically.  This all starts with strong teachers.  As a rule: the more impressive the teachers, the more successful the graduates.  This bill would be a key incentive in luring such professionals to the Greater New Orleans area”, Jefferson said.

The RENEWAAL Act would award highly qualified teachers an annual bonus of up to $10,000 if they commit to work in New Orleans for a three year period.  Principals who have proven track-records in the public education system could qualify for an annual bonus of up to $16,500. The bill would also assist educators with relocation and housing expenses.  And finally, it would help higher education institutions in the New Orleans area retain faculty and students.