MN SF1564

Commissioner of Education administers grant program to develop pipeline of trained, licensed special education teachers, with applicants including school districts, charter schools, and cooperative units partnering with board-approved teacher preparation programs.

Half of grant funding awarded to seven-county metropolitan area applicants and half to applicants outside that area, with consideration given to existing supply of Tier 3 and 4 special education teachers relative to student enrollment.

Grant funds support paraprofessionals and unlicensed staff demonstrating willingness to become special education teachers through tuition assistance, stipends, mentoring, licensure test preparation, technology support, and participant recruitment.

Grant recipients must report annually to the commissioner on number of participants and fund use, with commissioner publishing annual summary report identifying recipients and grant fund usage.

Appropriation from general fund to Department of Education for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, with department retaining portion of funds for program administration and unused first-year balance carrying forward.