Federal No Child Left Behind Programs to Help Teachers The rigorous and idealistic standards of No Child Left Behind create challenging situations for teachers. In recognition of those challenges, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) offers a variety of teacher programs designed to encourage best practices in teaching. The DOE is sponsoring a four-pronged initiative called "Teacher-to-Teacher: Supporting Success." This initiative attempts to improve teaching by opening channels of communication among researchers, teachers, and the DOE. In addition to these programs, the Teacher Quality Web site supports teachers with materials and Web resources. The following table summarizes the four initiatives, some of which have occurred but still offer materials to teachers. I. Teacher Roundtables The Department will host a series of roundtable discussions around the country. Teachers will share their views about how the Department can support them in ensuring that no child is left behind. Discussion topics will include effective teaching, professional development, teacher leadership, and ways to advance the teaching profession. Through these teacher roundtable sessions, senior Department officials will listen to and engage teachers in discussions regarding the No Child Left Behind act. If you are interested in participating in a roundtable discussion, please send an email to Teacherquality@westat.com. II. Teacher-to-Teacher Summer Workshops During the summer of 2004, the Department of Education held seven Teacher-to-Teacher workshops in Denver, Colorado; Anaheim, California; Portland, Oregon; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Orlando, Florida; St. Louis, Missouri; and Boston, Massachusetts. The workshops were designed by teachers for teachers. During the workshops, teachers heard from their colleagues about how they have used research-based practices to close the achievement gap and help all children learn and progress. Subjects addressed included mathematics, reading, and science as they apply to diverse groups of students. Teachers who are interested in the outcomes of the workshops should sign up to receive Teacher Updates at www.teacherquality.us. III. Research-to-Practice Summit On July 20, 2004, the Research-to-Practice Summit was held in Washington, D.C. The summit included presentations of the latest findings on effective teaching and learning. Teacher practitioners shared how they have applied those findings in everyday teaching and how they have equipped their students to reach unprecedented levels of success. Participation at the event was by invitation only; however, summit resource materials will be made available on the DOE Teacher Quality Web site. Teachers who are interested in this information should sign up to receive Teacher Updates at www.teacherquality.us. IV. Teacher Updates Teachers may sign up to receive electronic updates from the Department. These short e-bytes address some of the hot topics culled from teacher outreach efforts. They will also provide links to resources to aid teachers in learning about the latest policy, research, and professional issues affecting the classroom. Sign-up at www.teacherquality.us. Additional Teacher Assistance Programs In addition to the initiative "Teacher-to-Teacher: Supporting Success," the following programs are offered to support teachers. Teacher Assistance Corps (TAC) Secretary Rod Paige announced the formation of the Teacher Assistance Corps in summer 2003. Forty-five teachers, former teachers, principals, superintendents, leaders from higher education, state officials, and national experts from around the country were trained and participated on the teams. Their expertise and experience at all levels of education were vital to understanding local, state, and national education issues. Visits were made to all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. During visits, teams explained the requirements in the No Child Left Behind law, answered policy questions, heard about innovative state and local initiatives, and learned of unique situations in each state. Additional assistance has been provided through follow-up visits, conference calls, and regional and national meetings. States have been encouraged to seek additional help from TAC, if desired. Title II Improving Teacher Quality State Grants Title II provides nearly $3 billion to improve teacher quality through activities such as professional development, content literacy, and teacher recruitment. Teachers should contact local school officials for information about activities available in their area. Increased Loan Forgiveness In his FY 2005 budget proposal, President George W. Bush is proposing a substantial increase in the amount of loan forgiveness for teachers of mathematics, science, and special education, reaching up to $17,500 for each qualified individual teaching in high-poverty schools. Any teacher in a qualified low-income school who was a new borrower as of October 1998, and teaches for five consecutive years is eligible for up to $5,000 in loan forgiveness for Stafford loans. Teacher Safety No Child Left Behind protects teachers, principals, and other school professionals from litigation when they take reasonable actions to maintain order and discipline in the classroom. Tax Relief Teachers are eligible for a $250.00 tax credit on their federal tax return for classroom expenses. Teachers who plan to take the credit should maintain receipts for out-of-pocket classroom expenditures. This article was contributed by Janice Christy, M.Ed., English Department Chair, Louisa County High School, Louisa, Virginia.