Bill Summary:

The bill creates a requirement that of the 90 hours of professional development training currently required for educator licensure renewal of a teacher's license during the term of the educator's teacher's license, at least 10 of those hours must include some form of behavioral health training that is culturally responsive and trauma- and evidence-informed and increasing awareness of laws and practices relating to educating students with disabilities in the classroom, including child find and inclusive learning environments. The 10 clock hours may be obtained by any combination of related courses, so long as at least 1 of the 10 clock hours must be related to behavioral health training and at least 1 of the 10 clock hours must be related to educating students with disabilities in the classroom. The bill requires teacher preparation programs to include in program graduation requirements that each teacher candidate in an initial educator licensure program complete at least 10 hours of behavioral health training that is culturally responsive and trauma- and evidence-informed.

CEA Position Rationale: CEA strongly supports mental and behavior health support for students and staff. CEA has shared some questions about the potential impact on licensure requirements and ensuring that mental and behavioral supports are focused on supporting and not supplanting social workers, counselors, and mental/behavioral health staff. AMENDMENT: supports educator flexibility in educators meeting needs of their unique student populations.

Legislative Priorities: Mental Health and Socio-Emotional Health, Dismantle Inequitable and Racist Structures, Attract and Retain High Quality Educators and Improve Educator Workload

Tier: 2