WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., were joined by Senators Mitt Romney, R-Utah, and Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., in introducing the bipartisan, bicameral Teacher Education for Computer Science Act (Teach CS Act). The senators introduced this legislation during Computer Science Education Week to support efforts to train more computer science teachers.

“Addressing America’s critical shortage of computer science graduates starts in the classroom,” Wicker said. “This legislation would make targeted changes to existing teacher education programs to place more qualified computer science instructors in our schools.”

“As a former computer programmer, I understand firsthand the value in computer science and how education in this field can open doors for students who are looking to pursue a career in STEM,” Rosen said. “I’m working to extend educational opportunities to our students in Nevada and across the country, and that’s why I’m helping introducing the bipartisan Teach CS Act, a bill that will provide teachers and schools with the resources and preparations needed to provide our children with a 21st century education.”

“We need to make sure our kids have the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century global economy,” Romney said. “Our legislation will strengthen computer science curriculums in Utah and around the country and create more opportunities for students to gain important skills which our changing workforce demands.”

“In the 21st century innovation economy, proficiency in computer science can be a real asset for young people preparing to enter the workforce – so it’s critical that educators have the knowledge and training to help students learn computer science,” Hassan said. “In honor of Computer Science Education Week, I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to strengthen STEM education in New Hampshire and across the country.”

The Teach CS Act would amend the Higher Education Act (HEA) to make computer science instructors eligible for multiple teacher preparation grants and graduate fellowships. The legislation would also authorize a new competitive grants program for eligible institutions of higher education to establish centers of excellence in teacher education programs for computer science.

The Teach CS Act has been endorsed by Code.org, Microsoft, CSforAll, Girls Who Code, the Computer Science Teachers Association, the National Education Association, State Educational Technology Directors Association, and 100Kin10.