HB 22-1220 Summary

• Creates student educator stipend program providing $11,000 to $22,000 to eligible students during clinical teaching experiences, with $39 million in appropriations for fiscal year 2022-23.

• Establishes educator test stipend program covering fees and costs (including travel and lodging) for professional competency assessments required for teacher and school counselor licensure, with $3 million appropriated.

• Authorizes temporary educator loan forgiveness program providing up to $5,000 in loan forgiveness for educators hired into hard-to-staff positions in rural schools or content shortage areas, with $10 million appropriated.

• Allows multiple methods for demonstrating professional competencies beginning in 2023-24, including content-based assessments, performance-based assessments, portfolio reviews by panels, and education course work grades.

• Expands interim authorization provisions to allow alternative teacher license applicants to teach while completing competency assessments, and requires annual reporting on program effectiveness and educator workforce outcomes.