HI HB501

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

Provides $5,000 annual bonuses for certified teachers and school psychologists, plus an additional $5,000 annual bonus for those employed at focus schools, priority schools, superintendent's zones, schools with high turnover, or hard-to-fill schools.

Creates a continuing bonus provision allowing certified educators to receive additional payments after their designated school improves and loses its qualifying status, lasting until certification expires or employment ends.

Establishes the Hawaii Teacher Stipend Program providing financial support to University of Hawaii students enrolled in state-approved teacher education programs, requiring three to five years of service in Hawaii public schools with proportionate repayment obligations for non-completion.

Creates the Hawaii Teacher Stipend Program Special Fund to receive legislative appropriations and repayment funds from participants who breach their teaching service agreements, with the effective date of July 1, 2051.