Bill > SB115

This bill makes several key changes to support bilingual education in Nevada's schools. It authorizes school districts and charter schools to provide a $2,500 annual stipend to teachers who either already hold an endorsement to teach in bilingual education programs or are currently enrolled in a course of study to obtain such an endorsement. The bill requires the Commission on Professional Standards in Education to adopt regulations mandating that teachers must obtain a specific endorsement to teach in bilingual education programs, which are defined as instructional programs where English learners are taught English language skills while other subjects are taught in the student's primary language. Additionally, the bill requires school districts and charter schools to include information about these bilingual education teacher stipends in their annual reports, specifically detailing the number of employees who received such stipends in the preceding and current fiscal years. For large school districts like Clark County and charter schools, the stipends must be paid from the budget of the specific local school precinct or charter school where the teacher is employed. The bill aims to incentivize and professionalize bilingual education instruction by providing financial support and establishing clear professional standards for teachers working with English learners.