SB0244 Summary: Grow Your Own Teacher Education Act

• Transfers administration of the Grow Your Own Teacher Education Initiative from the Board of Higher Education to Grow Your Own Illinois organization, with Grow Your Own Illinois responsible for managing grants and selecting consortia.

• Expands eligible schools to include early childhood programs licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services where at least 40% of children receive subsidized child care, Head Start, Early Head Start, or Preschool for All programs.

• Allows high school students enrolled in dual credit courses at participating institutions of higher education to join teacher preparation cohorts under the program.

• Requires consortia to offer forgivable student loans covering tuition, books, and fees with full forgiveness after 5 years of service in hard-to-staff schools or teaching positions.

• Establishes criteria for consortium selection including demonstrated success preparing teachers for low-income schools, quality implementation plans, community organization involvement, and plans for candidate support and program sustainability.