This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to modify teacher licensure requirements by introducing mandatory professional development on dyslexia for teachers renewing their licenses. Specifically, it requires that all licensed teachers renewing their licenses under sections 122A.181 to 122A.184 complete two hours of professional development training on dyslexia, which includes understanding its effects on foundational reading skills and effective instructional strategies for students with dyslexia. The training must be developed by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board with input from a dyslexia specialist, and it must be provided at no cost to teachers or districts. Additionally, new teachers must complete this training within one year of receiving their initial license.

The bill also makes several amendments to the existing licensure requirements. For Tier 1 licenses, it adds a requirement for teachers to participate in dyslexia training as a condition for renewal, while removing the previous mental illness training requirement. For Tier 2 licenses, the bill similarly adds the dyslexia training requirement for renewal. The effective date for these changes is set for all licenses issued on or after July 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 122A.181, 122A.182, 122A.187