IL HB1291

Increases the annual incentive for National Board certified educators from $1,500 to $2,250 (prorated at $50 per hour) for providing mentoring or professional development to classroom teachers and school counselors

Expands required mentoring hours from 30 to 45 hours per school year for educators receiving the annual incentive

Adds professional development training provided by the National Board Resource Center as an eligible use of program funds

Maintains existing fee assistance of up to $2,000 for National Board certification application or re-take fees and up to $1,000 for renewal application fees

Prioritizes funding distribution to Tier 1 school districts on a first-come, first-serve basis