An Act To Improve Teacher Preparation Programs

CONCEPT DRAFT SUMMARY

This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208.

The purpose of this bill is to attract and retain new teachers in the State. This bill proposes to create incentives to attract students to teacher education programs in colleges and universities in the State and to retain those students to teach in schools in the State after graduation. The bill also proposes to identify components of effective teacher preparation programs in colleges and universities, including, but not limited to, educating teachers to use technology in the classroom in new ways. To encourage new teachers to stay in the State, the bill also proposes to establish a tuition reduction and loan repayment program for new teachers who teach in the State for 5 years after graduation.