Bill > SB235

This bill establishes the Grow Your Own Educator Program, designed to help school districts address teacher shortages by providing matching fund grants to support employees pursuing undergraduate degrees in teacher preparation programs. An eligible school district can apply for grants to assist employees with tuition or loan repayment for becoming certified teachers, with grants awarded on a first-come, first-served basis based on available funding in a newly created Grow Your Own Educator Revolving Fund. Participating school districts must submit annual reports by June 30th detailing the progress of employees receiving assistance, and the State Department of Education must submit a comprehensive report by December 31st to legislative leaders that includes information about grant recipients, grant amounts, and the subject areas of study. The program aims to encourage school district employees to become certified teachers by providing financial support, with grants targeting those already working in educational settings who want to transition into teaching roles. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, and the State Board of Education is tasked with developing specific rules to implement the program.

Budget and Finance, Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb235&Session=2600