Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to modify teacher licensure provisions in Minnesota, transfer certain grant program responsibilities from one state body to another, and implement requirements for reports and appropriations. The goal is to increase racial and ethnic diversity among teachers and improve teacher recruitment and retention strategies.

Main Provisions

• Transfer of Responsibilities: The administration of specific grant programs will transfer from the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) to the Minnesota Department of Education.
• Teacher Licensure Modifications: The bill includes changes to the requirements and processes for teacher licensure. For example, Tier 1 licenses can be renewed under certain conditions.
• Grant Program Changes: It establishes competitive grant programs for institutions to support the education of teachers of color and American Indian teachers. These grants aim to address teacher shortages in these demographic groups.
• Mentorship Programs: New and expanded mentorship program sites can receive grants and must participate in activities supporting program development.
• Support for Reading and Literacy: Teacher preparation programs are required to include instruction on evidence-based reading strategies, culturally competent teaching, and dyslexia interventions.
• Outreach and Marketing Campaign: Funding is appropriated for campaigns aimed at recruiting more diverse individuals into the teaching profession.
• Reports and Assessments: Multiple sections of the bill require updated reporting on program outcomes, especially those aimed at increasing teacher diversity.

Significant Changes

• Department Transfers: Administrative responsibilities for grants are moved from the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board to the Department of Education.
• Diversity and Inclusion Emphasis: The bill prioritizes increasing diversity in the teacher workforce and includes recommendations for policy and funding to support racially and ethnically diverse teacher recruitment, preparation, hiring, and retention.

Relevant Terms

professional educator licensing, standards board, education finance, teacher licensure, grant programs, teacher diversity, American Indian teachers, racial and ethnic diversity, mentorship programs, literacy instruction, dyslexia, teacher recruitment, marketing campaign, teacher shortage, higher education institutions.