NC H1045

Expands the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program to address teacher shortage by increasing forgivable loan amounts from $5,000 per semester to $12,000 per year for high school seniors, transfer students, career changers, and current college students pursuing teacher licensure.

Defines "qualifying licensure areas" as special education, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and elementary education (K-6), with annual identification of available positions by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Establishes dedicated funding allocations: up to $600,000 or 10% of available funds for administrative costs and director salary; up to $600,000 for extracurricular enhancement activities including summer programs and alumni engagement; up to $600,000 for mentoring and coaching support ($2,200 per recipient); and up to $500,000 for recruitment activities targeting high teacher attrition regions.

Limits program participation to up to 10 selected institutions with approved educator preparation programs meeting stringent criteria, including demonstrated teacher effectiveness, high licensure exam pass rates, and alignment with Science of Reading standards for elementary education programs.

Requires annual reporting to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on loan awards, placement and employment rates, low-performing school placements, and student growth outcomes for graduates; effective July 1, 2024.