Substitute Senate Bill No. 1513 seeks to establish a comprehensive scholarship program for aspiring educators in Connecticut, replacing the existing diversity scholarship program. The new program will provide annual scholarships of up to $10,000 to individuals who graduated from public high schools in Connecticut and are enrolled in teacher preparation programs at four-year institutions. The bill introduces the term "aspiring educator," which encompasses individuals from underrepresented subgroups in the teaching profession, and outlines the responsibilities of the Talent Office within the Department of Education for administering the scholarships, including eligibility criteria and reporting requirements. Additionally, the bill mandates the identification of teacher shortage areas and the development of an educator apprenticeship initiative to enhance classroom experience for students in educator preparation programs.

The legislation also establishes the Aspiring Educator Workforce Task Force to develop strategies for improving the recruitment and retention of aspiring educators, while creating the Aspiring Educator Policy Oversight Council to encourage diverse individuals to pursue teaching careers. Key amendments include the replacement of the term "diversity" with "aspiring educators" throughout the bill, reflecting a broader focus on all individuals preparing for teaching roles. The bill requires local and regional boards of education to submit aspiring educator recruitment plans by March 15, 2026, and outlines a framework for financial support and partnerships with residency program operators. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of the educator workforce in Connecticut, addressing teacher shortages and streamlining the certification process for aspiring educators.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-156ii, 10-8b, 10-146j, 10-156aa, 10-156bb, 10-156cc, 10-156dd, 10-156ee, 10-156ff, 10-156gg, 10-156jj, 10-145p, 10-145t, 10-145w, 10-155d, 10-155l
ED Joint Favorable Change of Reference: 10-156ii, 10-8b, 10-146j, 10-156aa, 10-156bb, 10-156cc, 10-156dd, 10-156ee, 10-156ff, 10-156gg, 10-156jj, 10-145p, 10-145t, 10-145w, 10-155d, 10-155l
APP Joint Favorable Substitute: 10-156ii, 10-8b, 10-146j, 10-156aa, 10-156bb, 10-156cc, 10-156dd, 10-156ee, 10-156ff, 10-156gg, 10-156jj, 10-145p, 10-145t, 10-145w, 10-155d, 10-155l
File No. 851: 10-156ii, 10-8b, 10-146j, 10-156aa, 10-156bb, 10-156cc, 10-156dd, 10-156ee, 10-156ff, 10-156gg, 10-156jj, 10-145p, 10-145t, 10-145w, 10-155d, 10-155l