Vasquez Announces Bipartisan Legislation to Address the Teacher Shortage in Indian Country
LAGUNA PUBELO, N.M. – On September 25, 2023, Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) announced the introduction of the bipartisan H.R. 5669 Parity for Tribal Educators Act alongside Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) and Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME). The legislation addresses the teacher shortage in Indian Country by providing teachers and staff at Tribally-controlled schools the same federal retirement benefits as teachers at Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools.
WATCH: Rep. Vasquez hosts announcement event at Laguna Elementary School
Martha Garcia, Ramah School Board President, shares how the bill will support her community.
“I have met with Tribal leaders from throughout New Mexico who have shared their immense challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified teachers for their schools,” said Vasquez. “My bipartisan bill, the Parity for Tribal Educators Act, will help address the teacher shortage by providing all Tribal teachers with the retirement benefits they deserve and that fulfill the federal government’s trust responsibility to Tribal nations.”
Rebecca Touchin, Tribal Liaison and Constituent Services Representative, chats with tribal education leaders.
“Hiring employees at tribal schools is increasingly difficult for tribal communities, and a secure retirement is an important factor in any job search,” said Rep. Johnson. “I’m proud to support this bill to increase stability to these educators and promote the desirability of the role. Every kid deserves a quality education—that begins with having a quality teacher.”
The Congressman’s staff hosted an event at Laguna Elementary School with Amy Suman, Pueblo of Laguna Superintendent, Eric Guiterrez, Mescalero Apache Nation Superintendent, Nolan Valdo, Pueblo of Acoma Superintendent, Willinda Castillo, To’hajiilee School Principal, Martha Garcia, Ramah School Board President, David Nez, Ramah Navajo Superintendent, Bill Green, and Alamo Navajo Superintendent.
Attendees and panelists discussing ways to work together to address hurdles tribal schools are facing.
New Mexico has ten Tribally-controlled schools, and those educators deserve the same retirement benefits educators at other BIE and public schools. In 2020, Congress expanded federal health benefits to these teachers and by ensuring retirement benefits, Congress can continue to fulfill the government’s trust responsibility to Tribal nations.
The legislation is endorsed by the National Indian Education Association, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), and the Ramah Navajo School Board.
“The National Congress of American Indians thanks Rep. Vasquez for his attention to this important issue and strongly supports the introduction of the Parity for Tribal Educators Act and urges Congress to pass this bill into law,” said Larry Wright, Jr. Executive Director of NCAI.
“The Parity for Tribal Educators Act would help strengthen the legacy of self-determination by putting Tribally-controlled schools like ours on equal footing with the BIE school system. We express our deep gratitude to Rep. Vasquez and Rep. Johnson for introducing this critically needed legislation,” said David C. Nez, Superintendent of the Ramah Navajo School Board.
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