This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to modify the reporting requirements related to teacher shortages and supply and demand in the education sector. It defines "shortage area" to include licensure fields and economic development regions where school districts are unable to fill assignments with licensed teachers. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of teacher diversity by stating that only individuals who help close the gap between the percentage of Indigenous teachers and teachers of color and the corresponding student demographics qualify as filling a shortage. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board to submit a comprehensive report on teacher supply and demand to the legislature by November 1, 2025, and every even-numbered year thereafter. This report will include various data points such as retirement patterns, teacher diversity, and specific shortages in licensure fields. Notably, it requires the board to provide detailed information on teacher openings by school district in critical fields such as special education and STEM, as well as the number of assignments that remain unfilled. The effective date for this section is the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 122A.06, 122A.091