House Bill 1977 establishes the "Tennessee Teacher Residency Program Act," which aims to support the preparation of aspiring educators through a structured residency program. The bill outlines definitions for key terms such as "educator preparation provider," "partnering LEA," and "teacher resident." It mandates the Department of Education to implement a grant program to support residency programs, with a maximum award of $44,500 per teacher resident for operational costs, stipends, and mentor teacher compensation. Partnering local education agencies (LEAs) are required to collaborate with educator preparation providers to facilitate employment for teacher residents upon completion of their residency and licensure.

To qualify for grants, residency programs must meet specific design criteria, including a full academic year of coursework and clinical apprenticeship, competitive admission standards, and a commitment from teacher residents to teach for at least three consecutive years in a public school or charter school within the partnering LEA. The bill also stipulates that successful completion of the residency program satisfies clinical experience requirements for educator licensure. Additionally, residency programs must report their success data annually, and the Department of Education will provide biennial reports on the outcomes of these programs to various legislative committees.