HB 23-1198 Summary

• Establishes a statewide teacher externship program by January 1, 2024, to provide K-12 teachers work-based learning opportunities in STEM and STEM-related fields to improve classroom curriculum.

• Requires the Department of Labor and Employment to collaborate with the Department of Education to develop program models, establish minimum standards for externship hours and teacher/employer qualifications, and select appropriate employers.

• Allows participating teachers to receive compensation from local education providers, employers, or other entities, and to earn professional development credits, graduate credits from accredited institutions, or career and technical education credits.

• Directs the Department to gather and publicly report annually on the number of employer and teacher participants, participating local education providers, and teacher reviews regarding program value.

• Appropriates $223,039 to the Department of Labor and Employment for the 2023-24 fiscal year to implement the STEM teacher externship program and sunsets the program on September 1, 2025.