Gov. Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 66, a bipartisan bill that allows Kansas to join the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, making it easier for educators within the multi-state agreement to move to and work in Kansas.

The bill also expands scholarship opportunities for Kansans studying to become teachers. 

“Teacher shortages have been a challenge across the country, but it has been particularly tough on our rural communities,” Kelly said. “This bill addresses the teacher shortage here in Kansas by helping to fill vacancies with qualified educators who want to move to our state. That’s good for our students, for our rural communities, and for our growing economy.”

In addition to Senate Bill 66, Kelly signed Senate Bill 123, which will grow Kansas’ educator workforce by expanding the Promise Scholarship program to students pursuing degrees in elementary and secondary education. The bill also creates the Adult Learner Grant Act, a grant for adult learners pursuing certain fields of study. It also creates an incentive program for schools to support students pursuing careers and technical education and allows veterans and their families to qualify for in-state tuition. 

“Investing in education at every level is not only good for our students, but good for our economy,” Kelly said. “As the daughter of a career Army officer, I’m pleased with the steps this bill takes to make college more affordable for heroes who have served and for their dependents. This bill invests in our students looking to pursue a degree, career or technical education right here in Kansas, and will keep our workforce strong.”