MN HF2041

Establishes the Excellence in Teaching Program to promote National Board Certification of Teachers throughout Minnesota.

Requires the executive director of the Board of Teaching to appoint a statewide coordinator with duties including promoting the certification process, providing technical support, maintaining an online recruitment platform, and partnering with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Awards one-time incentive grants of $2,000 to any Minnesota teacher who achieves National Board Certification after June 30, 2015, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while funds are available.

Appropriates $200,000 each year for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 to the Board of Teaching for program administration, with unused balances rolling over to the second year.

Appropriates $200,000 each year for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 for the incentive grants, with unused balances rolling over to the second year.