OK
Oklahoma House Bill HB1342

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB1342

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/7/23  

Caption

Scholarship programs; the Oklahoma Future Teacher Scholarship and Employment Incentive Program; providing program eligibility to home school students; effective date.

Impact

The bill amends existing education laws to create a specific scholarship program funded to support students pursuing a teacher education program at both public and private higher education institutions. The financial assistance includes scholarships of up to $5,500 and employment incentive payments totaling up to $20,000 over five years for those who successfully complete their teacher training and fulfill their teaching obligations. This initiative is anticipated to enhance the state’s efforts in developing a quality teaching workforce and ensuring that educators are retained in Oklahoma public schools.

Summary

House Bill 1342 establishes the Oklahoma Future Teacher Scholarship and Employment Incentive Program, aimed at incentivizing the preparation and employment of public school teachers in Oklahoma. This bill broadens the eligibility criteria for the scholarship program by including home school students, allowing them to qualify for financial assistance provided by the state. This measure seeks to address the teacher workforce shortage by encouraging more individuals to enter the teaching profession and commit to teaching in Oklahoma public schools.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB1342 may arise from the implications of expanding such scholarship programs to home school students, where debates could center on the adequacy of teacher training and preparation among this group. Critics may argue that the bill does not sufficiently ensure that home-schooled candidates meet the same rigorous standards expected of traditional teacher education graduates. Additionally, concerns about funding availability for the proposed scholarships and incentives may be highlighted, particularly in times of budget constraints within the state.

Companion Bills

OK HB1342

Carry Over Scholarship programs; the Oklahoma Future Teacher Scholarship and Employment Incentive Program; providing program eligibility to home school students; effective date.

Previously Filed As

OK HB1342

Scholarship programs; the Oklahoma Future Teacher Scholarship and Employment Incentive Program; providing program eligibility to home school students; effective date.

OK HB1990

Scholarship programs; the Oklahoma Future Teacher Scholarship and Employment Incentive Program; modifying program eligibility; effective date.

OK HB2559

Teacher scholarships; Oklahoma Future Teacher Scholarship and Employment Incentive Program; renaming program to Inspired to Teach Program; effective date.

OK SB529

Teachers; creating the Oklahoma Teacher Corps Program; providing eligibility. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2555

Scholarships; creating the Oklahoma Critical Industries Scholarship Program; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2718

Higher education; Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Trust Fund; Oklahoma Promise Opportunity Scholarship Act; effective date.

OK SB358

Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; removing requirement for prior school year attendance. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB908

Oklahoma Accountancy Act; creating revolving fund; authorizing student scholarship and grant program. Effective date.

OK HB2796

Oklahoma Accountancy Act; creating revolving fund; authorizing student scholarship and grant program; effective date.

OK SB430

Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; requiring administration of certain assessments. Effective date. Emergency.

Similar Bills

OK HB1282

Scholarships; Oklahoma Rising Scholars Award; renaming; eligibility; awards; waivers; effective date; emergency.

OK SB1054

Tulsa Reconciliation Education and Scholarship Program; modifying eligibility; removing certain eligibility criteria.

OK HB3564

Teachers; creating the Oklahoma Future Teacher Scholarship and Employment Incentive Program; effective date; emergency.

OK HB1990

Scholarship programs; the Oklahoma Future Teacher Scholarship and Employment Incentive Program; modifying program eligibility; effective date.

OK HB1342

Scholarship programs; the Oklahoma Future Teacher Scholarship and Employment Incentive Program; providing program eligibility to home school students; effective date.

OK HB1990

Scholarship programs; the Oklahoma Future Teacher Scholarship and Employment Incentive Program; modifying program eligibility; effective date.

OK HB2559

Teacher scholarships; Oklahoma Future Teacher Scholarship and Employment Incentive Program; renaming program to Inspired to Teach Program; effective date.

OK HB2559

Teacher scholarships; Oklahoma Future Teacher Scholarship and Employment Incentive Program; renaming program to Inspired to Teach Program; effective date.