HF264

This bill extends a pilot program in Minnesota that allows school districts and charter schools to grant temporary substitute teaching licenses. There are two main pathways for eligibility:

1. An applicant must either hold at least an associate's degree or its equivalent and receive training from the school district or charter school; or,
2. An applicant with only a high school diploma or equivalent must have worked as educational support personnel or a paraprofessional within the school district or charter school for at least one academic year.

The program requires a background check for all applicants. The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board can issue temporary licenses while the background check is pending and can suspend or revoke a license based on the background check results.

School districts or charter schools must provide necessary substitute teacher training and cannot force or retaliate against employees for choosing not to apply for this license. Employees working as substitutes under this program must be compensated at least $200 per day or their regular rate of pay, whichever is higher.

Finally, the program is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2027.