Bill > SB1566

This bill establishes a Hawaii Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program to address severe teacher shortages in public schools by creating a structured pathway for educational and teacher assistants to become licensed teachers. The program, to be administered by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, will allow current or newly hired educational assistants to apply for an apprenticeship that provides training and mentorship towards obtaining a teaching license. Eligible participants must be working as educational or teacher assistants in public or charter schools, and the program will set specific requirements for acceptance and completion in compliance with federal regulations. Mentors will receive a $4,000 stipend and will be responsible for guiding apprentices through professional development and classroom experience. The bill appropriates $426,848 for fiscal year 2025-2026, which includes funding for mentor stipends, a business manager position, and an institutional analyst position. The goal is to improve teacher recruitment, retention, and diversity by creating a supportive pathway into the teaching profession for individuals already working in educational settings.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1566&year=2026