ID H0218

Establishes the Idaho Rural Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act to address educator shortages in rural school districts and local education agencies through recruitment and placement strategies.

Creates three programs: (1) Idaho Rural Teacher Fellowship for teacher candidates in final 30-40 credits of approved programs, (2) Grow Your Own Program providing funding for paraprofessionals to complete teacher certification, and (3) Rural Certification Incentive Program offering stipends for teachers earning endorsements in hard-to-fill content areas.

Requires program participants to commit to teaching full-time in their certification area for three consecutive academic years in the same rural school district or LEA, unless waived by the district.

Mandates each rural school district or LEA provide high-quality mentoring and support to program participants and guarantees employment upon successful completion of graduation requirements and teacher certification.

Directs the State Board of Education to report to education committees on participant placement, retention rates, institutions attended, and student achievement data; sunsets the program on July 1, 2025.