Better teachers make better students

OLYMPIA – If the education of our children is the paramount duty of the state, then we must ensure that teachers remain knowledgeable in their respective subjects. That’s the rationale for the Senate’s unanimous approval today of legislation to expand higher education tuition waivers.

“I have three sons, and I want to make sure that their teachers are the best they can be,” said Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens. “We owe that to our children.”

Senate Bill 5101, sponsored by Hobbs, provides tuition fee waivers for teachers and instructional staff. Eligibility is limited to those holding or seeking an endorsement or assignment in a state-identified shortage area.

“This is a good step in recognizing that teachers spend a lot of their time and money trying to improve their teaching skills,” Hobbs said. “We should be encouraging that improvement.”

SB 5101 now goes to the House of Representatives for further consideration. The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn on April 22.

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