; and (E) are bureaucratically manageable for participating teachers, local educational agencies, and institutions of higher education. (8) The TEACH grant program under subpart 9 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1070g et seq.) provides up to $16,000 in grants to prospective teachers who agree to teach in low-income schools and high-need subject areas for 4 years. This is far below the Department of Education’s most recent estimate of the average annual cost of approximately $25,409 in tuition, fees, and room and board at the average full-time undergraduate 4-year institution. (9) The National Center for Education Statistics found that more than 2/3 of the individuals entering the education field borrow money to pay for their higher education. Teachers with a bachelor’s degree have an average debt of $20,000 and teachers with a master’s degree have an average debt of $50,000. Teachers also start out earning 20 percent less than their peers with comparable degrees who pursue jobs outside of education. These compounding factors can disincentivize prospective teachers from entering the profession. (10) In evaluating the TEACH grant program, the Government Accountability Office found that almost 2/3 of the requests for assistance under the program from October 2011 through March 2014 cited problems submitting certification paperwork. The Government Accountability Office recommended improvements in the program’s design, including reducing burdensome annual paperwork, increasing awareness about the program, and streamlining the dispute process. (11) Spending by teachers on school supplies adds up to $1,600,000,000 nationally. According to the Education Market Association, most teachers spend around $500, with 10 percent spending $1,000 or more. (12) Teacher quality partnerships are designed to strengthen higher education-based teacher and school leader preparation. Studies show that teachers who are better prepared to enter the classroom stay longer and perform better than their