HI SR58

Department of Education is requested to partner with the Hawaii State Teachers' Association and local teacher education programs to create pathways for school support personnel to become full-time teachers.

Targeted school support personnel include educational assistants, para-professional teachers, extended hire substitute teachers, and part-time teachers.

Department of Education is requested to work with higher education partners to develop pathways that provide course credit for relevant work experience in school support personnel roles.

Resolution addresses Hawaii's severe teacher shortage, including a 12.3% increase in teacher turnover during 2021-2022 (920 resignations, 310 retirements) and 938 school support staff departures that same year.

Certified copies to be transmitted to the Superintendent of Education, Board of Education Chair, Hawaii State Teachers Association President, and presidents of University of Hawaii, Chaminade University, Hawaii Pacific University, and Brigham Young University Hawaii.