Kansas House Bill HB2081

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/23
• Refer: 1/19/23
• Report Pass: 2/16/23

Caption

Creating the aspiring future teacher of the year scholarship program; such scholarships based on the recipients of the Kansas teacher of the year award backgrounds and attributes; making and concerning appropriations for the program for fiscal years ending June 30, 2024, June 30, 2025, June 30, 2026, June 30, 2027, and June 30, 2028, for the department of education for such scholarships.

Impact

The bill aims to incentivize students to pursue teaching careers in Kansas by providing them with financial support tailored to help ease the costs associated with obtaining their licensure. This focus on cultivating a new generation of educators comes amidst concerns about teacher shortages and the need for qualified professionals in the education sector. The program underscores the state's commitment to enhancing the teaching profession by recognizing and supporting aspiring teachers.

Summary

House Bill 2081, known as the Aspiring Future Teacher of the Year Scholarship Program, establishes a financial assistance initiative designed to support students aiming to become teachers in Kansas. The program is aimed at students who have been accepted or are enrolled in teacher licensure programs at accredited postsecondary educational institutions. A total of $160,000 is appropriated from the state general fund for each fiscal year through June 30, 2028, specifically for funding these scholarships, which provides each selected student with $2,500 per semester for their educational expenses.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2081 include its financial implications and the eligibility criteria for scholarship recipients. Critics may argue about the sufficiency of funding and whether the scholarships awarded are enough to significantly impact students' educational choices. Moreover, the stipulation that scholarship recipients must commit to teach within Kansas for a defined period may raise concerns about whether this provision might dissuade some potential candidates from applying, particularly if they have other opportunities out of state.