This bill proposes significant changes to Iowa's education laws, particularly concerning teacher salaries, preparation requirements, and the placement of special education students from out-of-state. It establishes a minimum starting salary of $50,000 for teachers and a minimum salary of $62,000 for full-time teachers with at least twelve years of experience. The bill also revises the calculation of teacher salary supplements by eliminating the tier system and requiring the Department of Management to base costs on the actual needs of school districts. Additionally, it modifies teacher preparation requirements by adjusting the duration of pre-student teaching field experiences and updating criteria for recognizing prior work experience as a substitute teacher or para-educator.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the process for out-of-state placements of students requiring special education, detailing the responsibilities of the child's district of residence and the financial obligations associated with these placements. It mandates the creation of an online job posting system for educational job openings, transferring this responsibility from the Department of Workforce Development to the Department of Education. The bill also removes certain requirements for pre-student teaching field experiences and adjusts the Department of Education's role in managing financial disputes between school districts, ultimately aiming to enhance educational standards and support for both teachers and students in Iowa.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 257.10, 256.16, 249A.4A, 284.15, 97B.52A