MI SB1096

Allocates $50,000,000 for 2021-2022 and $50,000,000 for 2022-2023 from the state school aid fund to expand support for new teachers and improve teacher retention.

Requires the Department of Education to partner with educator preparation programs at public universities, school districts, and alternative preparation programs to provide free coaching and cohort support systems to education students and new teachers for at least their first 3 years of service.

Cohort support systems must provide new teachers with professional connections to similarly experienced teachers and access to expert coaches or mentors who can offer guidance on complex educational issues.

Establishes a grant program for school districts to receive mentor stipend funding for allowable expenditures including veteran teacher stipends, mentor training, instructional materials, and staffing costs for mentoring activities.