HB 2657

Abstract

Amends the School Code. Authorizes the State Superintendent of Education to use moneys in the institute fund and the State Board of Education to use funds available in the Teacher Certificate Fee Revolving Fund to support the recruitment and retention of educators, to support educator preparation programs as they seek national accreditation, and to provide professional development; specifies dedication of moneys. Makes changes concerning a provisional educator or career and technical educator endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations, a Substitute Teaching License, a general administrative endorsement on a Professional Educator License, out-of-state applicants and applicants trained in another country receiving a Professional Educator License, and professional development activities. Provides that an Educator License with Stipulations with only a paraprofessional endorsement does not lapse. Removes the requirement that an alternative educator licensure program for teachers or a principal preparation program offered by a not-for-profit entity be approved by the Board of Higher Education. In provisions concerning the conviction of certain offenses as grounds for revocation of a license, adds the offense of unauthorized video recording and live video transmission (under certain circumstances) to the definition of "sex offense". Makes changes concerning the training of teachers to teach physical education and safety education. Effective July 1, 2015.