An increasing number of students now have access to Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), a policy reform that puts education funds directly in families’ hands to use at the school or education provider of their choice. A new report from Patrick Graff of the American Enterprise Institute argues that teachers deserve similar support and flexibility through Teacher Spending Accounts (TSAs).
Key points of the piece include the following:
- Teachers are the most important in-school factor for student success, yet we give teachers almost no say in education funding decisions.
- Teacher spending accounts (TSAs) are state-funded accounts for K–12 teachers that are designed to be used for classroom supplies and educational expenses such as instructional materials, technology, teacher coaching, and professional development.
- TSAs prioritize individual teacher autonomy and expertise by recognizing that teachers are best positioned to tailor this “last mile” of education spending for the greatest impact.
- TSAs are one step toward envisioning a school funding paradigm that supports all teachers, regardless of school type.
TSAs provide an opportunity to support teacher autonomy as well as meet the unique needs of students in their classroom.
For more, see: https://www.aei.org/research-products/report/teacher-spending-accounts-supporting-all-teachers/
