The Future Educators Support Act aims to enhance financial support for student teachers and address the shortage of in-demand teaching jobs in Ohio. The bill introduces new sections to the Revised Code, including definitions for "public school" and "student teacher," and allows public schools to provide stipends to student teachers. Additionally, state institutions of higher education are permitted to establish lower differential tuition rates or waive fees for individuals enrolled in teacher preparation programs while they are working as student teachers.
Furthermore, the bill mandates the Department of Job and Family Services, in collaboration with the Department of Education and Workforce, to create and maintain a list of in-demand teaching jobs across the state and by region. This list will include the necessary licenses for each position and will be published on the respective department websites, with periodic updates to reflect changes in demand. The initial list is to be published as soon as practicable after the bill's effective date.