MN HF281

School districts must develop teacher mentoring programs for teachers new to the profession or district, including teaching residents, teachers of color, American Indian teachers, teachers in license shortage areas, and experienced teachers needing peer coaching.

Districts are required to reserve at least two percent of basic revenue for teacher mentorship under section 122A.70, subdivision 1, in addition to existing uses for teacher development, principal development, professional development, and in-service education.

Teacher mentoring programs must be included in or aligned with districts' teacher evaluation and peer review processes, and districts may use staff development revenue, special grants, or other funding sources to pay mentor stipends.

Grant recipients must negotiate retention strategies for teachers of color and American Indian teachers, which may include financial incentives to work in the district for at least five years and placing educators of color together to reduce isolation.

The bill becomes effective July 1, 2021, and grants districts the option to waive the revenue reservation requirement with majority votes from both licensed teachers and the school board.