HI HB501

Expands the National Certification Incentive Program to include school psychologists alongside teachers who achieve national certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or National Association of School Psychologists.

Provides eligible teachers and school psychologists with a $5,000 annual bonus for maintaining current national certification, plus up to $1,500 upon completing certification components and reimbursement of remaining application fees.

Authorizes an additional $5,000 yearly bonus for certified teachers and school psychologists employed at focus, priority, or superintendent's zone schools, or schools with high turnover rates, with continued bonuses if the school improves and loses its designation.

Establishes the Hawaii Teacher Stipend Program to provide stipends to University of Hawaii students enrolled in state-approved teacher education programs who commit to teaching in Hawaii public schools for 3-5 years, with proportional repayment requirements for those who fail to complete the program or teaching obligation.

Creates the Hawaii Teacher Stipend Program Special Fund to receive legislative appropriations and repayments from program participants, with funds used to support ongoing stipends and related costs.