MN SF1193

Establishes a tiered teacher licensing system with new leadership roles for experienced teachers, mentoring requirements for new teachers, and alignment with diverse student learning needs, effective September 1, 2013.

Creates an advisory task force jointly convened by the Board of Teaching and commissioner of education to develop recommendations for statewide tiered teacher licensure based on research-based competencies, ongoing professional growth, and performance assessment systems.

Task force membership includes representatives from Education Minnesota, school administrator associations, teacher education colleges, principals associations, parent and business organizations, and school boards associations.

Requires task force to submit recommendations for differentiated statewide teacher licensing structure to the legislature by February 15, 2012, with the task force expiring February 16, 2012.

Maintains existing teacher licensing requirements including skills examinations in reading, writing, and mathematics, pedagogical knowledge exams, and continuing education in positive behavior interventions, reading instruction, and mental health awareness.