This bill amends Section 698.1 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, renaming the "Inspired to Teach Program" to the "New Educators for Excellence in Teaching and Education (NEXT-ED) Program." It aims to enhance the scholarship amounts available for eligible students pursuing teacher education, increasing the annual scholarship from $1,000 to $2,000 for the first three years and from $2,500 to $5,000 for the final year, with a total maximum scholarship amount raised from $5,500 to $11,000. The bill also updates the eligibility criteria for prospective teachers and clarifies the requirements for maintaining scholarship status, including a minimum GPA and a commitment to teach in public schools for at least five years after graduation.

Additionally, the bill authorizes the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to provide employment incentive payments to participants who become traditionally certified teachers in public schools, with a maximum of $4,000 per year for up to five years, totaling $20,000. It establishes a committee to improve the effectiveness of the NEXT-ED Program and mandates the delivery of an annual report to the Legislature. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 70-698.1