Cleta Mitchell: “H.R. 362 invests in thousands of new and highly qualified teachers through professional development, summer training…”

“H.R. 362 invests in thousands of new and highly qualified teachers through professional development, summer training institutes, scholarships, and investment in undergraduate science, technology, engineering and math (``STEM'') education. I taught high school in Arizona for 28 years, and I know that my fellow teachers work hard and do a good job with the resources they have. But I was also a State Senator for 8 years, and I know our schools need help. Arizona's students are below the national averages in every subject area. Arizona's teachers teach six children more per class than the national average. That's a problem. Arizona must increase the number of highly qualified teachers and lower the student to teacher ratio. As a former educator, I understand first-hand the impact that education has on our children and their future. Ensuring that our students receive a first-rate education is vital not only to Arizona's future but our nation's as well.”