SB 618 Summary

• Establishes the School Teacher Training and Mentoring Program within the Department of Education to increase teacher effectiveness and improve student achievement in Florida public schools.

• Requires the department to fund school districts for placing highly effective retired or current classroom teachers as mentors to new teachers, struggling teachers, and teachers from underrepresented demographic groups.

• Mandates funding sufficient for three mentors per school and $2,000 stipends per mentor, with prorated reductions applied equally if appropriations are insufficient.

• Requires the department and school districts to increase classroom teacher involvement in developing state and district-level policies, curriculum, and best practices for reading and mathematics instruction.

• Takes effect July 1, 2022, with the State Board of Education authorized to adopt implementing rules.