HI SB2054

Establishes the Hawaii Teacher Apprenticeship Program administered by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board to create pathways for individuals to enter the teaching profession in the State.

Requires apprentice teacher candidates to hold an associate degree from an accredited Hawaii postsecondary institution, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0, pass background screening, and be accepted into the program.

Mandates apprentice teachers spend the first two years in a mentor teacher's classroom using team teaching strategies, complete on-the-job training, obtain a teacher's license, and be hired as education paraprofessionals with compensation per bargaining unit (6) salary schedule.

Requires mentor teachers to have at least seven years of teaching experience in Hawaii and allows them to receive a bonus with 50% paid after the first year of mentoring and 50% upon program completion.

Appropriates general revenues for fiscal year 2024-2025 to establish the program, with the act taking effect upon approval except appropriations effective July 1, 2024.