Tennessee Republican Phil Roe is looking for ways to get high-quality teachers in low-performing schools.
The East Tennessee congressman sits on the House Education and Labor Committee. Roe says he supports charter schools and vouchers and says outside expertise could boost teacher effectiveness.
Roe says he’s a big advocate for public education.
“I’ve never been to private school – and I’ve been to school for 24 years; I’ve overdosed on school.”
Roe has an idea for public schools that want good teachers. He says they should turn to…well, people like him.
“I am an OB-GYN physician. I can’t teach 8th grade health. Because I don’t have the certain education courses and whatever.”
He wants retiring baby boomers to give back to their communities by teaching in their field. He also supports incentive pay for good teachers – as long as it’s done fairly.
The state already has a fast-track program to recruit and train mid-career professionals and retirees for the classroom. Teach Tennessee has had 202 graduates.
Reported by Tanya Snyder
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