Bill > S03969

This bill mandates that teachers complete continuing education focused on mental health issues as part of their professional development requirements. Specifically, the bill requires that during each five-year registration period, teachers must complete at least one hundred hours of continuing teacher and leader education, which must include mental health-related training at least twice during that period. The training will be developed by the commissioner in consultation with various state agencies and will cover a comprehensive range of mental health topics, including continuing education courses, programs related to mental health, eating disorders, behavioral health disorders, strategies for improving the learning environment, crisis de-escalation techniques, identifying signs of mental illness and behavioral health issues, and evidence-based training programs like mental health first aid. The goal is to better equip teachers with knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges among students. The new requirements will take effect on the first day of January following the bill's passage, with preparatory administrative rules and regulations able to be developed immediately upon the bill becoming law.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3969