Senate Education Committee reports H.J.R. 25 supporting international teacher visas

The Alaska Senate Education Committee on May 14 reported House Joint Resolution 25, a joint-resolution expression of support for international teacher visa programs used by Alaska school districts, and moved the measure out of committee without objection.

The resolution, sponsored in the House by Representative Mena, would place the state legislature on record supporting use of the J‑1 and HB‑1 visa programs for recruiting international teachers. Mike Mason, staff to Senator Lukey Gale Tobin, told the committee the draft presented at this hearing was identical to the version heard earlier in the week and described the programs as “a very vital resource for teachers across a good portions of the state.”

The resolution drew no public testimony in committee. President Stevens spoke in favor of the measure during committee discussion, saying he had heard concerns about language comprehension but that his grandchildren “love their teachers from The Philippines, so they’re doing a good job.”

Senate Education reported H.J.R. 25 with individual recommendations and an attached zero fiscal note; the motion to report the resolution was made on the record and carried by unanimous consent. The committee took a brief at‑ease to sign the committee report and reconvened to continue its agenda.

The resolution is a nonbinding statement of legislative preference and does not change state immigration or hiring law. The committee record shows the measure will move forward with the committee’s recommendations as reported.