The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend current statutes related to the Arizona Teachers Academy by allowing Arizona degree-granting private postsecondary educational institutions that offer postbaccalaureate teacher preparation programs to participate in the Academy. This inclusion would enable these institutions to receive funding from the Arizona Teachers Academy Fund. Additionally, the bill would appropriate $10,000,000 from the state General Fund for fiscal year 2026 to support the Academy. The scholarship provided by these institutions would be capped at the remainder of the average in-state tuition and fees charged by Arizona public universities, after accounting for other financial aid.

Furthermore, the bill would expand the definition of "eligible postsecondary institution" to include the aforementioned private institutions, thereby broadening the scope of participation in the Academy. It would also make various technical and conforming changes to existing language, such as updating the terminology for students and clarifying the reimbursement process for scholarships. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the recruitment and retention of teachers in Arizona by increasing the number of institutions eligible to participate in the Arizona Teachers Academy.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-1655
House Engrossed Version: 15-1655