NC H968

Appropriates $2,000,000 for Grow-Your-Own and 2+2 teacher recruitment programs in all regions, including high school career academies and TAs to Teachers programs.

Establishes DRIVE Grant Program with $2,000,000 in recurring funds to support partnerships between school systems, higher education institutions, and community organizations to increase recruitment and retention of educators of color through scholarships, mentoring, and support services.

Creates Recruitment Bonus Pilot Program with $3,000,000 (2021-2022) and $6,000,000 (2022-2023) to provide multiyear bonuses to teachers committing to low-performing or high-poverty schools.

Establishes Teacher Preparation Residency Pilot Grant Program with $5,000,000 (2022-2023) requiring local school districts to match grant funds 1:1 for programs providing tuition, stipends, and induction support.

Expands NC Teaching Fellows Program and FELS Program to include individuals holding bachelor's degrees seeking teacher licensure, with $1,000,000 (2021-2022) and $4,700,000 (2022-2023) appropriations; requires educator preparation programs to report diversity metrics; and provides $1,900,000 for National Board certification participation fees.