Bill > SB1546

This bill renames the "Inspired to Teach Program" to the "New Educators for Excellence in Teaching and Education (NEXT-ED) Program" and significantly increases the scholarship amounts available to aspiring teachers in Oklahoma. The program aims to encourage individuals to become public school teachers by providing financial assistance for tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses. Under the revised provisions, scholarships for students with fewer than 90 credit hours will increase from $1,000 to $2,000 per academic year, and scholarships for students with 90 or more credit hours will rise from $2,500 to $5,000 for their final academic year, with the total maximum scholarship per student increasing from $5,500 to $11,000. Additionally, the bill clarifies eligibility requirements for prospective teachers and outlines provisions for employment incentive payments for those who commit to teaching in Oklahoma public schools for at least five years after graduation, with a maximum incentive payment of $4,000 per year, not to exceed $20,000 per participant. The bill also establishes an effective date of July 1, 2026, and declares an emergency, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Budget and Finance, Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1546&Session=2600