MN HF3594

Strengthens teacher mentoring and retention programs by requiring school districts to provide additional stipends to mentors of color or American Indian mentors and establish professional learning community affinity groups for underrepresented teachers.

Authorizes schools and districts to provide financial incentives for teachers of color and American Indian teachers to work in their schools for at least five years and to negotiate retention strategies or protection from layoffs during early employment.

Allocates $1,500,000 in fiscal year 2018 and $2,500,000 in fiscal year 2019 for "Grow Your Own" pathways to teacher licensure, with $1,500,000 in 2019 directed to school districts with more than 30 percent students of color for teacher residency programs.

Appropriates $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2018 and $1,500,000 in fiscal year 2019 for collaborative urban and greater Minnesota educators of color grants to four teacher preparation programs, with $720,000 available in fiscal year 2019 through competitive grants to other approved programs.

Requires grant recipients to annually report on program activities, participant demographics, completion rates, licensure pursuits, and employment outcomes, with reports to the commissioner by established deadlines.