DE HB430

Establishes a statewide Grow Your Own Educator Program administered by the Department of Education to improve recruitment, retention, and diversity of educators in Delaware public schools.

Creates a competitive grant process allowing Delaware school districts and charter schools to develop their own programs supporting candidates from middle school through post-secondary education, student teaching, certification, and hiring.

Grant applications must include recruitment and retention goals, diversity strategies, partnerships with higher education institutions, and plans for providing financial support (last-dollar tuition assistance) to candidates committing to teach minimum 3 years in high-need schools.

Awards grants on a 2-year basis with priority given to applicants recruiting from high-need schools, supporting teacher residency models and apprenticeships, and addressing educator workforce diversity gaps.

Requires annual reporting to the Department on candidate numbers, retention rates, demographic information, and funding sources; Department reports results to General Assembly Education Committees.