IL HB4139

Establishes a teacher reimbursement grant program administered by the Commission to reimburse public school teachers and teacher candidates for tuition and mandatory fees paid to Illinois public institutions of higher learning for obtaining a Professional Educator License.

Eligible applicants must be Illinois residents who have completed, are currently enrolled in, or plan to enroll in a state-approved educator preparation program at a public Illinois institution; applicants who have already completed the program must hold a Professional Educator License and be actively employed full-time in Illinois public schools.

Grants provide reimbursement for up to 8 semesters or 12 quarters of tuition and mandatory fees, with annual payments equal to one-tenth of the approved total amount for up to 10 consecutive years if the recipient remains actively employed full-time in Illinois public schools.

The program operates for 6 years beginning July 1, 2022, with recipients able to receive payments for up to 10 years following initial grant approval, and the program itself is repealed on July 1, 2040.

Commission is authorized to determine application procedures, require documentation, maintain a database of recipients and payments, and adopt necessary rules to administer the program; all provisions are subject to appropriation.