TechNet Applauds the Obama Administration's Newly Established National Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Master Teacher Corps; Urges Congress to Approve Budget

WASHINGTON, July 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- TechNet, the bipartisan policy and political network of technology CEOs and senior executives that promotes the growth of the innovation economy, today applauded the Obama Administration for establishing the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Master Teacher Corps.

Built on the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) call to strengthen STEM education in America and to leverage and recognize talented STEM teachers, the STEM Master Teacher Corps will dedicate $1 billion to support 50 STEM teachers at 50 different sites, with hopes of growing over four years to reach 10,000 Master Teachers. The Administration also announced an immediate $100 million for the existing Teacher Incentive Fund toward helping school districts implement high-quality plans to establish career ladders that identify, develop and leverage highly effective STEM teachers.

TechNet and its members have long supported efforts to develop STEM programs within the framework of the country's education system.

"This initiative aligns with what the tech sector has been saying—improving workforce quality means investing in education and educators," said Rey Ramsey, President and CEO of TechNet. "For American business to remain competitive in today's global economy we need to grow our knowledge workforce. Programs like this are an important step forward in helping prepare our kids for the jobs of tomorrow."

A recent survey by TechNet's foundation, ConvergeUS, found that 66 percent of executives said investing in education was very important to making U.S. business competitive as the U.S. Department of Labor projects faster job growth in the future for jobs requiring skills in the STEM field.

TechNet has a long history of leadership in improving the nation's STEM education programs. Since its inception, TechNet has coordinated national efforts to bring technology into the classroom; hosted teacher training programs for STEM educators; and worked with Congress on legislative proposals such as America COMPETES.

About TechNet:

TechNet is the national, bipartisan network of CEOs that promotes the growth of technology industries and the economy by building long-term relationships between technology leaders and policymakers and by advocating a targeted policy agenda. TechNet's members represent more than one million employees in the fields of information technology, biotechnology, e-commerce and finance. TechNet has offices in Washington, D.C., Palo Alto, Sacramento, Seattle, Boston and Austin. Web address: www.technet.org. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter at @technetupdate. 

SOURCE TechNet