Bill > S0244

This bill: - Authorizes the Office of Inspector General within the Department of Education to investigate allegations and reports of suspected violations of students', parents', or teachers' rights. - Establishes the Dual Enrollment Educator Scholarship Program to assist teachers in grades 9-12 in public schools in obtaining graduate degrees and credentials necessary to provide dual enrollment coursework. - Establishes the Teacher Apprenticeship Program to create an alternative pathway for individuals to enter the teaching profession. - Expands the acceptable means of demonstrating mastery of subject area knowledge for educator certification, including through a master's degree or higher from an accredited postsecondary institution. - Waives initial certification fees for retired first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians/paramedics. - Creates the "Heroes in the Classroom Bonus Program" to provide sign-on bonuses for retired first responders and veterans who become full-time classroom teachers, with additional bonuses for teaching in critical teacher shortage areas. - Establishes the "Teachers' Bill of Rights" to outline various rights and protections for teachers, including rights related to employment, continuing education, classroom control, and directing classroom instruction.

Budget and Finance

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/244