Bill > SB2156

This bill, titled the "Tennessee Teacher Residency Program Act," establishes a new program within the Tennessee Department of Education to support aspiring educators by creating and funding teacher residency programs. These programs, which are defined as organizations that provide teacher preparation training through a residency model in partnership with local school districts (referred to as "Partnering LEAs") or other educational institutions, will receive grants to cover operating costs, stipends for teacher residents (aspiring educators completing their training), and compensation for mentor teachers. To be eligible for these grants, residency programs must offer a year-long curriculum that integrates coursework with hands-on classroom experience under a mentor teacher, have competitive admission standards, and provide evidence-based training for mentors. A key component of these programs is the expectation that teacher residents will commit to teaching for at least three consecutive years in a public school within the partnering or a high-need school district after obtaining their educator license, with provisions for reimbursement of stipends if this commitment is not met. The bill also clarifies that successful completion of an approved residency program will satisfy the clinical experience requirement for educator licensure and mandates reporting on program outcomes to legislative committees.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=SB2156&ga=114