HB5122 Summary

• Changes Article 21A of the School Code to focus on "Training for Mentoring of New Teachers" beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, replacing the previous requirement for schools to develop their own induction programs.

• Establishes a State Board of Education grant program to fund mentor training providers (regionally accredited colleges, universities, or educational nonprofits) that train new teacher mentors in coaching and mentoring methods plus ongoing professional development.

• Requires trained mentors to hold a Professional Educator License with at least 5 years of teaching experience, have "proficient" or "excellent" ratings on their last 2 evaluations, and complete mentor training demonstrating competency in mentoring skills.

• Specifies mentor compensation through $1,500 annual stipends per mentor for 4 school years, with priority funding for Tier 1 and Tier 2 school districts in teacher shortage areas; new teachers receive 60 hours of mentoring in year one, 30 hours in year two, and 20 hours in year three.

• Requires regional offices of education to oversee mentors and training providers in their regions and report annually to the State Board on mentoring program quality starting in 2023-2024; takes effect immediately.