The bill, H.F. No. 1538, is a Minnesota workforce development measure focused on teacher apprenticeships. It appropriates funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the workforce development fund to the commissioner of education to reimburse school districts for the costs of registered teacher apprenticeship programs. This is a one-time appropriation.

Key Provisions:

1. Requirements for Funded Programs:

   • School district involvement to ensure apprentices develop effective teaching skills.
     
   • Structured on-the-job training with experienced mentors.
     
   • Instruction from an approved teacher training program by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board.
     
   • Incremental wage increases for apprentices as they develop higher skill levels.
     
   • A training sequence leading to a Tier 3 teaching license.

2. Eligibility & Collaboration:

   • School districts can receive funding and are encouraged to partner with institutions of higher education, other school districts, charter schools, and cooperative units.
     
   • Apprenticeship programs may incorporate teacher residency or Grow Your Own programs and combine funding from different teacher recruitment programs.
     

3. Oversight & Program Development:

   • The commissioner of education will oversee funding decisions and monitor apprenticeship programs in coordination with the commissioner of labor and industry and the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board.
     
   • Guidelines will be informed by existing apprenticeship models in Minnesota and other states.
     

4. Reporting & Recommendations:

   • The commissioner of education must submit a report to legislative committees overseeing K-12 education, higher education, and workforce development.
     
   • The report will include details on funding use and recommendations for potential statutory or regulatory changes to enhance teacher apprenticeship programs.
     

Purpose:

The bill aims to increase teacher workforce pipelines by supporting teacher apprenticeships, ensuring practical training, mentorship, and structured career growth to help apprentices obtain a Tier 3 teaching license.