This bill modifies the Teach Iowa Scholar Program by changing eligibility requirements and establishing new funding allocations. Specifically, it removes the requirement that applicants must be in the top 25 percent academically of their teacher preparation program. This change aims to broaden the pool of eligible candidates for the program, which provides grants of up to $4,000 annually for full-time teaching in Iowa, with a maximum of $20,000 over five years.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new funding allocation structure for the Teach Iowa Scholar Fund starting from fiscal year 2026. It mandates that 20 percent of the awarded funds be designated for eligible classroom teachers providing special education instruction, while 50 percent is allocated to teachers employed by rural school districts, defined as those with a certified enrollment of fewer than 1,000 students. This approach seeks to support teachers in critical areas and address staffing challenges in rural education settings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.218