S.F. No. 61 Summary

• Establishes inclusive school enhancement grants, Come Teach in Minnesota hiring bonuses (up to $5,000-$8,000 for out-of-state teachers in shortage areas), and expands teacher mentorship and retention programs for teachers of color and American Indian teachers.

• Creates Aspiring Minnesota Teachers of Color scholarship program providing up to $10,000 per year (maximum $25,000 lifetime) for undergraduate and graduate teacher candidates from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups with family income of $125,000 or less.

• Increases student teacher candidate grants in shortage areas to up to $7,500 annually, with enhanced amounts up to $4,000 for teachers meeting both licensure field and underrepresented racial or ethnic group criteria.

• Increases teacher shortage loan forgiveness from $1,000 to $2,000 annually (up to $4,000 for teachers meeting both shortage area and diversity criteria), extending maximum awards from five to ten annual awards.

• Appropriates $32.5 million for fiscal year 2021 across multiple teacher recruitment and retention programs, and establishes distance learning broadband access grants ($8 million) and full-service community school grants ($10 million).