(NASHVILLE) – This week, Republican lawmakers passed legislation sponsored by State Representative Jay Reedy (R-Erin) that establishes a strong foundation for the rights of Tennessee’s educators.
House Bill 174, also known as the Teacher’s Bill of Rights, is supported by the Professional Educators of Tennessee. The legislation ensures that licensed educators in our state are treated with civility and that their judgment and discretion is respected.
The Teacher’s Bill of Rights promotes safe environments for educators and students and allows for the sharing of information about a student’s educational experience, health or safety between teachers and parents or legal guardians of students. It also affords educators the opportunity to review instructional materials and curriculum prior to their use and protects educators from using their own money to equip classrooms.
“Over the years, we’ve seen the rights of our teachers lag behind the rights of students,” said Representative Reedy. “This lack of respect is forcing many of our educators to leave the jobs that they love dearly. My hope is that House Bill 174 will reverse this trend; as long as I serve in the state legislature, I remain committed to serving as the voice of our teachers and students.”
The full text of House Bill 174 can be accessed by visiting the Tennessee General Assembly website at: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/110/Bill/HB0174.pdf
Jay Reedy serves as a member of the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee and Subcommittee, as well as the House Education Instruction & Programs Committee. He lives in Erin and represents House District 74, which includes all of Houston, Humphreys, and part of Montgomery Counties. He can be reached by email at Rep.Jay.Reedy@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-7098.
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