Bill > SB973

This bill addresses the critical shortage of qualified English language learner educators in Hawaii by establishing a pay differential program to attract and retain skilled professionals in this field. The legislation would require the Department of Education to provide additional compensation to educators who either hold a valid license to teach English to speakers of other languages with a specific endorsement or meet equivalent qualifications as determined by the department. The bill recognizes the significant impact that qualified English language learner educators have on students whose primary language is not English and aims to improve academic outcomes by creating financial incentives. The proposed legislation includes an appropriation of funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the specific monetary amount of the pay differential left blank in the current draft. Before the appropriated funds can be released, a memorandum of understanding must be executed between the superintendent of education and the exclusive representative of collective bargaining unit (5). The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and is part of a broader strategy to support English language learners and ensure they receive the educational support needed to succeed academically.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=973&year=2026