IL SB2356

Transfers administration of the Grow Your Own Teacher Education Initiative from the Board of Higher Education to Grow Your Own Illinois, a nonprofit organization that will manage grant competitions and oversee consortia programs.

Expands the definition of "eligible schools" to include early childhood programs licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services where at least 60% of children receive subsidized care, Head Start, Early Head Start, Preschool for All, or prevention initiatives.

Requires Grow Your Own Illinois to select, manage, and oversee consortia based on specific criteria including institutional experience with non-traditional candidates, implementation quality, financial planning, and community organization involvement in school improvement efforts.

Establishes that grant funds must be awarded subject to appropriation and allocated to Grow Your Own Illinois for program administration and grants to qualified consortia reflecting geographic and demographic diversity of hard-to-staff schools across the state.

Maintains the forgivable loan program for program participants, with full loan forgiveness upon completion of 5 years of service in hard-to-staff schools or positions, and partial forgiveness for shorter service periods.