HF 824 - Increase Teachers of Color Act Summary

• Establishes state goal to increase teachers of color and American Indian teachers by at least 2 percentage points annually to achieve equitable access to diverse teachers by 2040

• Creates multiple grant programs totaling $53 million+ in fiscal years 2020-2021, including funding for inclusive school enhancement ($3M), Grow Your Own pathways ($8.5M), collaborative educators of color ($6M), and teacher recruitment marketing ($500K)

• Requires Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board to report biennially (beginning 2019) on effectiveness of state-funded diversity recruitment, preparation, and retention programs for teachers of color and American Indian teachers

• Modifies teacher testing requirements to allow monthly untimed examinations and exempts nonnative English speakers from reading/writing/math skills exams when teaching native or world languages

• Establishes scholarship and loan forgiveness programs for teacher candidates of color and American Indian teachers, increases bonuses for out-of-state teachers hired in shortage areas, and supports mentoring and induction programs for diverse teachers