HF2741 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Teacher licensure provisions modified, grant programs transferred from the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board to the Department of Education, reports required, and money appropriated.
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
The bill aims to modify teacher licensure regulations, transfer certain grant program responsibilities from the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) to the Minnesota Department of Education, and initiate several new reporting requirements and appropriations.
Main Provisions
- Teacher Licensure Modifications: The bill proposes changes to the existing teacher licensure rules, clarifying the process for licensure via portfolio and adding requirements like cultural competency and mental illness training for license renewal.
- Grant Transfers: The bill transfers grant administration responsibilities from the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board to the Department of Education. This includes grants aimed at increasing the racial and ethnic diversity of the teaching workforce across Minnesota.
- Reports and Advisory Councils: Requires comprehensive reporting on programs intended to diversify Minnesota’s teacher workforce. This includes a proposal for a state advisory council on the issue.
- Mentoring and Retention Programs: Reinforces and expands mentoring, induction, and retention programs, especially targeting teachers of color and in shortage areas.
- Appropriations and Funding: Allocates funds to support various educational programs, such as competitive grant awards for promoting diversity in teaching staff and marketing campaigns to recruit teachers from underrepresented groups.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Grant Program Administration: Shifts from PELSB to the Department of Education, including the management of grants related to teacher diversification and mentorship.
- Expanded Reporting Requirements: New requirements dictate that both the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board and the Department of Education must report on diversity initiatives and placements, targeting racial and ethnic diversity and effectiveness.
- Quicker and Decentralized Licensing Process: Streamlines the licensure via portfolio process, making it more accessible for non-traditional candidates entering the teaching profession.
- Increased Collaboration: Stipulates collaboration across various educational bodies, including involving community partners in developing reports on teacher diversity.
- Expanded Support Programs: Provides structured support, such as cohorts for retaining teaching candidates from minority groups, and detailed assessments of mentoring programs.
Relevant Terms
- Teacher Licensure
- Grant Programs
- Diversity in Education
- Teacher of Color
- American Indian Teachers
- Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)
- Minnesota Department of Education
- Cultural Competency Training
- Mentorship and Retention Programs
- Alternative Pathways in Education
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Past committee meetings
- Education Finance on: April 03, 2025 13:00
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 23, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Education Finance |
| March 23, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Education Finance |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Collaboration with the Office of Higher Education in reporting."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This section modifies reporting requirements for programs aimed at increasing diversity in the teacher workforce under section 120B.117.",
"modified": [
"Entities required to publish a summary report include the Department of Education instead of just the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board."
]
},
"citation": "120B.117",
"subdivision": "subdivision 4"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Criteria for approving local assessments for paraprofessional credentials."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This section outlines rulemaking for statewide credentials for education paraprofessionals under section 120B.363.",
"modified": [
"Changes the body responsible for adopting rules from the board to the commissioner."
]
},
"citation": "120B.363",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This section discusses training provisions for paraprofessionals under section 120B.363.",
"modified": [
"Includes provisions for training in teaching and learning environments."
]
},
"citation": "120B.363",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Describes the rules adoption process for the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board under section 122A.09.",
"modified": [
"Includes more sections under the rules adoption process."
]
},
"citation": "122A.09",
"subdivision": "subdivision 9"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Standards for a common core of teaching knowledge and skills."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Outlines requirements for board approval of teacher preparation programs under section 122A.092.",
"modified": [
"Required to meet standards developed by the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium."
]
},
"citation": "122A.092",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Evidence-based structured literacy programs for teachers of elementary education."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Discusses required reading strategies in teacher preparation programs under section 122A.092.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "122A.092",
"subdivision": "subdivision 5"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [
"Requirement for district hiring procedures demonstrating attempts to find a licensed candidate."
],
"summary": "Defines conditions for issuing and renewing Tier 1 licenses under section 122A.181.",
"modified": [
"Tier 1 licenses may be renewed with specific changes in criteria."
]
},
"citation": "122A.181",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Details eligibility and criteria for grant recipients."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Discusses grants for increasing teacher candidates who are of color or American Indian under section 122A.635.",
"modified": [
"The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board is now responsible for awarding grants."
]
},
"citation": "122A.635",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Eligibility and application processes for mentoring program grants under section 122A.70.",
"modified": [
"Boards grant application forms for eligible applicants are updated."
]
},
"citation": "122A.70",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Selection criteria for mentoring program grants under section 122A.70.",
"modified": [
"Program's commitment to inclusive hiring practices emphasized."
]
},
"citation": "122A.70",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Implementation period for grant programs under section 122A.70.",
"modified": [
"Extended period for implementation and assessment of mentorship programs."
]
},
"citation": "122A.70",
"subdivision": "subdivision 5"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Administration and interagency agreements for grants under section 122A.70.",
"modified": [
"Involvement of other educational organizations in managing grants."
]
},
"citation": "122A.70",
"subdivision": "subdivision 5a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Reporting requirements for grant recipients under section 122A.70.",
"modified": [
"Report publication requirements for transparency updated."
]
},
"citation": "122A.70",
"subdivision": "subdivision 6"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Reporting requirements for alternative teacher preparation programs under section 136A.1276.",
"modified": [
"Report submission timelines and disaggregated data requirements."
]
},
"citation": "136A.1276",
"subdivision": "subdivision 4"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Conditions under which grant administration staff may be transferred under section 15.039.",
"modified": [
"Details about maintaining employment conditions post-transfer."
]
},
"citation": "15.039",
"subdivision": "subdivision 5"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Further details about the transfer of grant administration under section 15.039.",
"modified": [
"Conditions ensuring employment rights during administrative changes."
]
},
"citation": "15.039",
"subdivision": "subdivision 5a"
}
]