OK SB235

Establishes the Grow Your Own Educator Program administered by the State Department of Education to provide matching fund grants to eligible school districts that have programs offering tuition or loan repayment assistance to employees pursuing undergraduate teaching degrees from accredited teacher preparation programs.

Eligible school districts submit applications specifying the grant amount requested, employee position, and subject area of study; grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis based on available funds in the Grow Your Own Educator Revolving Fund.

Grant recipients must submit annual reports by June 30 beginning in 2026 detailing employee progress in teacher preparation programs or employment status; the State Department of Education submits consolidated reports by December 31 to state leadership.

Creates the Grow Your Own Educator Revolving Fund in the State Treasury to be funded through legislative appropriations and used solely for implementing the program; all fund monies are appropriated and may be expended by the State Board of Education.

Becomes effective July 1, 2025, with an emergency declaration allowing immediate implementation.