APPROVED CHAPTER
JULY 27, 2023 469
BY GOVERNOR PUBLIC LAW
STATE OF MAINE
_____
IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-THREE
_____
S.P. 640 - L.D. 1608
An Act to Address Teacher Shortages Through Financial Assistance and
Career Advancement Opportunities
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §10911 is enacted to read:
§10911. Report on Maine teacher residency program
By December 1, 2024, and annually thereafter, the university shall submit a report to
the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters
on the status of a Maine teacher residency program administered by the university.
Sec. 2. Maine Education Policy Research Institute to study career ladders
for educators. The Maine Education Policy Research Institute shall study the
development of career ladders for educators. The study must include:
1. A review of career ladders for educators developed in other states, including
Maryland;
2. An analysis of the options for developing a teacher residency certificate and
advanced teacher certificates, such as distinguished teacher certificates and lead teacher
certificates;
3. Ways to diversify the educator workforce; and
4. Educator recruitment and retention best practices.
By December 6, 2023, the institute shall submit a report that includes its findings and
recommendations to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs. The
committee may report out a bill related to the report to the Second Regular Session of the
131st Legislature.
Sec. 3. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and
allocations are made.
UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM, BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE
Educational and General Activities - UMS 0031
Page 1 - 131LR0661(05)
Initiative: Provides one-time funds to support the Maine Teacher Residency Program at the
University of Southern Maine.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
All Other $0 $200,000
__________ __________
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $200,000
Page 2 - 131LR0661(05)


Statutes affected:
Bill Text LD 1608, SP 640: 20-A.12504