This bill focuses on enhancing educational standards in Iowa by addressing teacher salaries, preparation requirements, and the out-of-state placement of students needing special education. It establishes a minimum salary structure for teachers, setting a starting salary of $50,000 and a minimum of $62,000 for full-time teachers with at least twelve years of experience. The bill also introduces a uniform calculation for teacher salary supplements, eliminating the previous tiered system, and outlines the process for adjusting these supplements in cases of incorrect reporting of teacher experience. Additionally, it mandates that agreements for out-of-state placements include specific service provision and invoicing requirements, ensuring clarity in financial responsibilities for school districts.

Moreover, the bill revises teacher preparation requirements by adjusting the duration of pre-student teaching field experiences and modifying the criteria for recognizing prior work experience as a substitute teacher or para-educator. It allows a child's district of residence to place them in out-of-state facilities for special education under certain agreements and clarifies the district's financial obligations. Lastly, the responsibility for establishing an online job posting system is transferred from the Department of Workforce Development to the Department of Education, aiming to streamline the process for educational job openings and promote non-discrimination in hiring practices.

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