NC H408

Expands the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program to include all University of North Carolina constituent institutions with approved educator preparation programs, rather than limiting participation to five institutions.

Allows the Commission to also select up to two private postsecondary institutions to participate in the Program if they meet stringent standards for effective educator preparation.

Maintains forgivable loan amounts of up to $4,125 per semester for eligible students (high school seniors, transfer students, bachelor's degree holders, and students changing to education programs) pursuing teacher licensure in STEM and special education areas.

Establishes that unexpended and unencumbered Trust Fund monies shall not revert but remain available to the Authority, and allocates specific funding levels for administrative costs and mentoring support.

Section 2 becomes effective July 1, 2019, and applies to forgivable loan awards beginning with the 2020-2021 academic year.