The proposed bill, Substitute Bill No. 7168, aims to enhance teacher recruitment and retention in Connecticut by establishing a tuition assistance program and a scholarship program for aspiring teachers. Effective July 1, 2025, the bill defines "eligible students" as those who meet specific academic and financial criteria and enroll in teacher preparation programs at public institutions. The Department of Education is tasked with creating a tuition assistance program that will cover the remaining tuition costs for eligible students after financial aid is applied, provided they commit to teaching in a public school for at least five years post-graduation. The department will also be responsible for notifying students about the program and reporting on its outcomes annually.

Additionally, the bill introduces a scholarship program for teachers who complete an alternative route to certification and wish to pursue a master's degree in education. This scholarship will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and will be available starting in the fall semester of 2026. The Department of Education will also report annually on the scholarship program's effectiveness. To support these initiatives, the bill appropriates $5 million from the General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. Overall, the bill seeks to address the teacher shortage by providing financial support and incentives for both new and existing educators.