MT HB837

Establishes a statewide retired teacher induction and mentoring program administered by the Office of Public Instruction to pair new teachers with retired teachers from the same district for up to 3 months of support and guidance.

School district participation is voluntary and at the discretion of the board of trustees on a case-by-case basis.

Retired teacher mentors are compensated hourly based on the district's base pay divided by contracted hours, with a maximum of 36 paid hours per mentor.

Mentoring activities may include classroom observation and feedback, administrative support, familiarizing new teachers with district policies and procedures, and helping prepare lesson plans and materials.

Appropriates $100,000 from the state general fund to the Office of Public Instruction for each year of the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, intended as ongoing base funding.