Bill > S02505

This bill establishes a 15-member task force to conduct a comprehensive study on educator diversity in New York state, focusing on understanding and addressing challenges related to racial representation in the teaching profession. The task force will be composed of appointees from the governor, senate leaders, assembly leaders, and minority leaders, who will examine critical issues such as barriers preventing students of color from entering or remaining in teaching, recruitment and retention strategies, mentorship programs, "grow your own" initiatives to encourage students of color to pursue teaching, scholarship opportunities, pathways for teachers of color to become school leaders, and reviewing state education department reports on educator diversity. The task force members will serve without compensation but will be reimbursed for necessary expenses, and they are required to elect a chair and complete their appointments within 30 days of the act's effective date. By December 31, 2026, the task force must submit a report with their findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the governor and legislature, after which the act will automatically expire on January 31, 2027. The primary goal is to develop strategies that can enhance and promote racial diversity within New York's educational workforce.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2505