Bill > HB2780

This bill establishes the Texas Teacher Residency Partnership Program to help address teacher shortages and improve educator preparation by creating a structured residency experience for new teachers. The program allows qualified educator preparation programs to partner with school districts and charter schools to provide aspiring teachers with a year-long clinical teaching experience, during which they will gradually increase their classroom responsibilities under the guidance of a mentor teacher. Participating districts will receive a financial allotment of $22,000 to $42,000 per partnership resident, with additional funding for residents pursuing special education certification. The bill requires educator preparation programs to use research-based practices for recruiting and admitting candidates, integrate curriculum with classroom practice, and use multiple assessments to measure resident progress. Mentor teachers must meet specific qualifications and will be paired with residents to provide guidance. Partnership residents cannot serve as teachers of record and will be eligible for a special residency educator certificate with potentially modified examination requirements. The State Board for Educator Certification will develop rules for program implementation, and the Texas Education Agency will provide technical assistance and support to help districts and schools participate in the program. The bill is designed to create a more comprehensive and supportive pathway into the teaching profession, particularly in high-needs and rural areas.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2780