SB18-085 Summary

• Increases annual financial stipends from 20 to 60, each up to $6,000, for teachers and special services providers in rural schools pursuing national board certification, concurrent enrollment certification, alternative licensure, or professional development.

• Expands eligibility to include special services providers (speech language pathologists, psychologists, audiologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, counselors, nurses, and social workers) seeking certification and employment in rural schools.

• Requires stipend recipients to commit to working in rural schools or school districts for a minimum of three years.

• Stipends may only be used for costs associated with institutions of higher education or alternative licensure programs approved by the state board of education.

• Appropriates $240,000 each to the departments of education and higher education for fiscal year 2018-19 to fund rural teacher recruitment, retention, and professional development.