MN SF1890

Establishes the Excellence in Teaching Program to promote National Board Certification of Teachers throughout Minnesota, with a statewide coordinator appointed by the executive director of the Board of Teaching.

Coordinator duties include promoting understanding of the National Board Certification process, coordinating technical support for candidates, maintaining an online recruitment and support platform, collaborating with education stakeholder groups, and partnering with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Board of Teaching shall award a one-time incentive grant of $2,000 to any Minnesota teacher who achieves National Board Certification after June 30, 2015, awarded on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funds are available.

Appropriates $200,000 annually to the Board of Teaching for program administration in fiscal years 2016 and 2017, with unused balances carrying forward.

Appropriates $200,000 annually for incentive grants in fiscal years 2016 and 2017, with unused balances carrying forward.