This bill aims to enhance teacher licensure provisions and transfer grant programs from the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board to the Department of Education. It requires the Department of Education to report on initiatives designed to increase the racial and ethnic diversity of the teacher workforce, along with recommendations for state policy and funding. Key amendments include the introduction of new requirements for teacher preparation programs that focus on evidence-based reading instruction and culturally competent training, as well as criteria for awarding grants to support teacher candidates of color or American Indian descent.

Significant changes involve the transfer of grant administration responsibilities to the Department of Education, ensuring job security for current employees involved in these programs. The bill establishes a competitive grant process to provide financial assistance to institutions for teacher candidates at various stages, with a cap of $10,000 per candidate per academic year. It also emphasizes mentorship and retention programs for teachers of color, mandates annual reporting on their effectiveness, and includes provisions for alternative pathways support and a licensure pathway program for heritage language and culture teachers.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 120B.117, 120B.363, 122A.09, 122A.092, 122A.181, 122A.635, 122A.70, 136A.1276