LAS VEGAS, NV – Today, in recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), held a roundtable conversation with Nevada STEM educators in order to discuss her bipartisan legislative efforts to support teachers and students, safely reopen Nevada schools, and expand access to STEM education throughout the Silver State.
“All of our state’s educators have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic to help our children continue to grow and learn during this challenging time,” said Senator Rosen. “Today, I sat down with teachers from across our state to discuss how Congress can continue to provide support in their efforts to educate Nevada’s students, as well as steps we’re taking to reopen our schools in a way that is safe for both students and teachers. During the roundtable, we also discussed my bipartisan work to expand access to STEM education and enhance teacher training in computer science, providing Nevada students – including those in our rural communities – with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the 21st-century workforce and economy. I will continue working to support education in our state and advocate on behalf of our parents, teachers, and students.”
BACKGROUND: In March, Senator Rosen voted for the American Rescue Plan Act, which was later signed into law and included $130 billion for schools to reopen safely, including funding for the implementation of CDC guidance including the purchase of PPE, the reduction of class sizes for social distancing, and addressing learning loss due to COVID-19. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act, Nevada schools will receive over $1 billion in funding for these efforts.
Last week, Senator Rosen introduced the TEACH CS Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to support teacher training and schools in educating students in the area of computer science.
Also last week, Senator Rosen helped to introduce the Rural STEM Education Act, bipartisan legislation that would direct the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support rural STEM education and workforce development through grants for research on teaching STEM in rural schools, barriers rural students face in accessing STEM education, and solutions to improve the participation of rural pre-K-12 students in STEM.
In March, Senator Rosen joined colleagues in a letter to FEMA urging the Biden Administration to fully reimburse schools for PPE and other emergency supplies.
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