Family photo of Jesse Lewis who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre.
NEWTOWN – A federal bill named after slain first-grader Jesse Lewis would allow professional development funds for teachers to be used in social and emotional learning training.
Lewis was one of the 20 first-graders and six educators who were killed by a gunman at the Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012.
The goal of the new bill, introduced by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-CT, is to give teachers training to recognize and manage social and emotional issues in school children.
“In honor of Jesse and the 25 other beautiful children and talented educators lost at Sandy Hook, this bill provides teachers skills and support to help all students grow into strong and healthy members of society,” Blumenthal said in a prepared statement.
The bill is being sponsored in the House of Representatives by Rep. Elizabeth Esty and Rep. Chris Murphy.
Jesse’s mother, Scarlett Lewis, said society has to take responsibility for the education and well-being of its children.
Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis, parents of Jesse Lewis. – H John Voorhees III
“The Jesse Lewis Empowering Educators Act introduces a powerful initiative that will benefit our children physically, mentally and emotionally,” she said in a prepared statement.