Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to modify teacher licensure requirements in the state of Minnesota. It seeks to address teacher shortages and improve the representation of teachers of color and Indigenous teachers relative to student demographics.

Main Provisions

• Definition of Shortage Areas: The bill defines "shortage areas" as regions where there is a high demand for licensed teachers but not enough qualified individuals to fill these positions. This includes licensure fields and economic development regions reported by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board.
• Improving Representation: The bill highlights regions where the percentage of Indigenous teachers and teachers of color is lower than the percentage of similar students. It identifies efforts to increase the number of these teachers as a means to address shortages.
• Licensure Adjustments: Amends certain sections of the Minnesota Statutes to address these shortages by potentially easing licensure requirements or creating incentives for individuals who can help close the identified demographic gaps.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill amends existing statute definitions concerning teacher shortages by including demographic gaps as a factor. By doing so, it reinforces the goal of a more diverse teaching workforce that reflects student populations.
• The bill may involve rulemaking to adjust the licensure process or requirements, although specific rules are not detailed within this text.

Relevant Terms

• Teacher licensure
• Teacher shortages
• Indigenous teachers
• Teachers of color
• Economic development regions
• Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board