Bill Summary: SF1873

• Modifies teacher licensing by clarifying that limited-term licenses under alternative teacher preparation programs are not provisional licenses under sections 122A.40 or 122A.41.

• Changes unrequested leave of absence decisions beginning 2016-2017 school year to prioritize teacher evaluation outcomes and effectiveness ratings over seniority, requiring school boards and teacher unions to negotiate plans based on evaluation categories and subject matter licensure.

• Establishes a hearing process allowing teachers placed on unrequested leave to challenge whether required teacher evaluations were properly conducted, with decisions issued within 14 days.

• Creates different reinstatement timelines: teachers rated effective or better retain reinstatement rights for five years, while teachers rated ineffective or less retain rights for only one year following placement on unrequested leave.

• Requires school boards and exclusive teacher representatives to include unrequested leave of absence or teacher discontinuation plans in all executed employment contracts beginning 2016-2017 school year.