Workforce Readiness
As the modern workforce continues to evolve, it’s increasingly important to improve alignment among student instruction, industry needs, post-secondary options, and teacher preparation. Developing the necessary skills to become economically independent is a key measure of success for all Tennesseans.
Changes to the Tennessee Future Teacher Scholarship Act
This bill expands eligibility for Future Teacher Scholarships, removes the requirement that eligible students must also be recipients of the HOPE Scholarship, reduces to two years the period of time a recipient must teach in a targeted setting, and establishes the award amount of $3,500 rather than a last-dollar tuition award. Supporting future teachers and expanding eligibility will enable Tennessee to have a more robust educator workforce to mitigate teacher shortages.
Financial Literacy Education for Elementary and Middle Schools
Requires at least one grade level in each public elementary and middle school to schedule five days during each school year to highlight age-appropriate financial literacy concepts, either inside or outside of the classroom. Specifies that the financial literacy concepts must include, at a minimum, earning income, spending, saving, managing credit, and investing.
Educator Licensure Pathways for Temporary Permits & Limited Occupational Licenses
This bill establishes conditions for the granting of temporary permits to staff K-12 academic positions, as well as creates an occupational licensure pathway for CTE educators. Addressing the teacher shortage in TN by creating additional pathways for licensure and permitting in critical areas will support student success by working to ensure each classroom is staffed by a highly-qualified teacher.
Prioritizing Post-Secondary
We have advocated for higher academic standards, which prepare students for success in a 21st-century economy. But to fully honor our promise to provide today’s students with an opportunity for success in the future, we must ensure all Tennesseans are prepared for (and have access to) a postsecondary credential or degree. Today, more than ever, Tennessee’s students have an opportunity to transition from high school to college seamlessly.
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