ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-sixth Legislature

First Regular Session

HB 2428: private universities; Arizona teachers academy

Sponsor: Representative Gress, LD 4

Committee on Education

Overview

Enables an eligible degree-granting private postsecondary educational institution in Arizona (private institution) to participate in the Arizona Teachers Academy (Academy) and receive Academy Fund monies.

History

Eligible postsecondary institutions must implement an Academy to incentivize students to enter the teaching profession and to commit to teach in Arizona public schools. The Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) must consult with these institutions to develop and implement administrative processes. The Academy may include new or existing teacher preparation program pathways. Academy programs must include accelerated models for high-demand teacher specializations, critical need areas, individuals seeking postbaccalaureate coursework resulting in professional certification, dual enrollment teachers and students in noneducation programs.

An eligible postsecondary institution must provide: 1) annual scholarships, subject to limitations, to undergraduate, graduate and community college students; and 2) scholarships up to the actual cost of obtaining National Board certification and renewal or a teaching certification. Scholarships are determined after all other financial gifts, aid or grants received by the student are considered. Statute requires students who receive scholarships to agree to teach in an Arizona public school and further details this service requirement. Academy Fund monies may be used to reimburse these scholarships.

Currently, postsecondary institutions eligible to participate in the Academy are the universities under ABOR's jurisdiction, Arizona community colleges that offer postbaccalaureate programs leading to teacher certification and that have entered into agreements with ABOR and colleges operated by a qualifying Indian tribe that have opted into the Academy (A.R.S. § 15-1655).

Provisions

1. Allows a private institution that offers postbaccalaureate teacher preparation programs leading to teacher certification to participate in the Academy and receive Academy Fund monies. (Sec. 1)

2. Limits the reimbursement for an Academy scholarship provided by a private institution to the remainder of the average in-state tuition and fees charged by universities under ABOR's jurisdiction, minus other gifts and aid awarded to the student. (Sec. 1)

3. Includes in the definition of eligible postsecondary institution a private institution opting to participate in the Academy. (Sec. 1)

4. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 1)

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8. HB 2428

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