This bill modifies teacher licensure provisions and transfers grant programs from the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board to the Department of Education. It mandates the Department to report on initiatives aimed at increasing the racial and ethnic diversity of the teacher workforce, including recommendations for state policy and funding. Key changes include the requirement for the commissioner to consult with various councils and community partners in developing these reports, as well as the establishment of a competitive grant program specifically designed to support teacher candidates of color or American Indian descent. The bill emphasizes the importance of effective practices in recruiting and supporting diverse teacher candidates, allowing a portion of grant funds to be used for programmatic support.

Additionally, the bill outlines new reporting requirements for institutions receiving grants, which must include data on teacher candidates of color and American Indian candidates, along with narratives on their successes and challenges. It also establishes a marketing campaign to recruit teachers from underrepresented groups and appropriates funds for mentoring and induction programs. The bill allocates resources for a licensure pathway program for heritage language and culture teachers and aims to enhance the efficiency of the licensure via portfolio process through the development of an online platform. Overall, the bill seeks to improve the recruitment, retention, and support of diverse teachers in Minnesota by transferring responsibilities to the Department of Education and implementing comprehensive support initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 120B.117, 120B.363, 122A.09, 122A.092, 122A.181, 122A.635, 122A.70, 136A.1276
1st Engrossment: 120B.117, 120B.363, 122A.09, 122A.092, 122A.181, 122A.635, 122A.70, 136A.1276
2nd Engrossment: 120B.117, 120B.363, 122A.09, 122A.092, 122A.181, 122A.635, 122A.70, 136A.1276