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ONE HUNDRED NINTH LEGISLATURE
SECOND SESSION
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION 455
Introduced by Juarez, 5; Cavanaugh, J., 9; Conrad, 46; Guereca, 7; Hughes, 24;
Hunt, 8; Raybould, 28; Rountree, 3.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this resolution is to propose an interim study to
examine recruitment, retention, and professional recognition of
prekindergarten, elementary, and secondary educators.
Educators are essential to the academic success, workforce readiness, and
civic development of students in the state. Meanwhile, school districts are
experiencing ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified
educators, including teachers, faculty, and support staff. Educators have
reported feeling undervalued as professionals, citing concerns related to
compensation, benefits, workplace conditions, administrative burdens, and the
overall respect and recognition afforded to the profession. Increased
workloads, emotional demands, student behavioral challenges, and safety
concerns contribute to educator burnout and attrition. Contract negotiations
and, in some cases, failed negotiations between educators and employers may
further impact morale, retention, and the stability of educational
environments. State and federal educational mandates, compliance requirements,
and administrative expectations may contribute to increased burdens on
educators and reduce the time available for instruction and student engagement.
Shortages of qualified educators, including substitute teachers and
paraeducators, place additional strain on existing staff and impact the quality
of education delivered to students. Improving educator recognition,
professional respect, and working conditions is essential to strengthening
Nebraska's education system and ensuring long-term student success.
The study shall include, but not be limited to, an examination of:
(1) Factors contributing to educator shortages and challenges in
recruitment;
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(2) Causes of educator demoralization and attrition, including burnout,
workload, and workplace conditions;
(3) Compensation structures, including salaries and benefits, and the
competitiveness of such salaries and benefits regionally and nationally;
(4) The impact of student behavior, discipline policies, and classroom
management challenges on educator retention;
(5) Administrative burdens, educational mandates, and compliance
requirements affecting educator workload;
(6) The impact of contract negotiations, including failed negotiations, on
educator morale and retention;
(7) School safety concerns and their effect on educator well-being;
(8) Availability of resources, funding structures, and out-of-pocket
expenses incurred by educators;
(9) Strategies to improve professional recognition, respect, and public
perception of educators;
(10) Evidence-based practices and policies from other states that
successfully improve educator recruitment, retention, and job satisfaction; and
(11) Strategies the state and school districts may implement to mitigate
educator burnout, improve workplace conditions, and incentivize long-term
retention in the profession.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ONE HUNDRED NINTH
LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA, SECOND SESSION:
1. That the Education Committee of the Legislature shall be designated to
conduct an interim study to carry out the purposes of this resolution.
2. That the committee shall upon the conclusion of its study make a report
of its findings, together with its recommendations, to the Legislative Council
or Legislature.
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