Bill > A00334

This bill establishes the Bilingual Teachers of Tomorrow program to address teacher shortages in schools with insufficient bilingual, certified teachers. The program provides grants to school districts through a competitive process, taking into account the magnitude of bilingual teacher shortages, the district's fiscal capacity, and planned new teacher hires. It creates a teacher recruitment incentive that offers eligible bilingual, certified teachers who are new to a school district an initial annual award of $10,000, renewable for up to three additional years (with a total maximum award of $40,000). To qualify, teachers must commit to teaching for one year in a school with a bilingual teacher shortage and use the funds to reimburse educational costs like certification or student loans. The bill requires school districts to maintain their existing local educational efforts and prevents state funds from replacing local funding. School districts must apply by June 1st, and the Commissioner of Education will provide an annual report to the governor and legislature evaluating the program's effectiveness in recruiting and retaining bilingual teachers. The program aims to systematically address bilingual teacher shortages by providing financial incentives and supporting school districts in their recruitment efforts.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A334