Bill > A10040

This bill amends education law to ensure that teachers working in schools or preschools that receive funding for special education services, referred to as "covered schools," are automatically eligible for all statewide teacher support and retention programs. These programs are defined broadly to include initiatives aimed at recruiting, preparing, supporting, and retaining teachers, such as scholarships, mentorship, professional development, and awards like the Teacher Opportunity Corps (TOC) and the New York State Master Teacher Program. The bill clarifies that this eligibility cannot be denied simply because a teacher works for a non-district, non-public, or contracted school. The Commissioner of Education is required to update regulations, outreach materials, and provide technical assistance to ensure these teachers are included and aware of these programs, and their input should be considered in program design. While the general rule is automatic eligibility, a program can limit participation to public school district teachers only if the administering agency has conducted a thorough review and documented that inclusion is not legally or operationally feasible due to specific statutory restrictions, contractual obligations, or inherent program design features. Any such determination to exclude teachers from covered schools must be made in writing, publicly available online, and reported to legislative education committees.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A10040