CT SB01098

Expands temporary ninety-day teaching certificates to include endorsement areas corresponding to teacher shortage areas as determined by the Commissioner of Education.

Requires the Commissioner of Education to establish or join interstate agreements to facilitate certification of qualified educators from other states, territories, and Washington D.C., provided they hold a bachelor's degree, have fulfilled post-preparation assessments, and have prior teaching experience.

Reduces the prior teaching experience requirement from three years to two years for out-of-state teachers seeking professional educator certificates, with exemption from beginning educator programs upon demonstration of teaching effectiveness.

Establishes a task force to study and develop strategies for increasing recruitment, preparation, and retention of minority teachers in public schools, with findings due by February 1, 2016.

Requires teacher preparation programs to include training in cultural competency addressing students' backgrounds and experiences to build positive relationships and work effectively in cross-cultural situations.

Directs the Office of Higher Education to submit annual reports on teacher candidate demographics in preparation programs, including enrollment data by race, ethnicity, and gender.