HB 598 -- Incentives for Special Education Teachers

Co-Sponsors:  Shelton, Hilgemann

This bill creates two incentives for special education
teachers.  The first is a loan repayment assistance program for
full-time certificated teachers who have declared an intent to
teach handicapped or severely handicapped children or to provide
special education services as defined by statute for up to 4
years.  Teachers who lose their certification, quit, or are
fired are ineligible and will lose a prorated share of
assistance for the remainder of the year, but teachers who
regain certification may have assistance reinstated.  This
program will begin July 1, 2002.

The second incentive is a one-time bonus of $3,000 upon initial
hiring for full-time teaching of handicapped or severely
handicapped children or provision of special education services
as defined by statute.  The Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education will provide funds to the district hiring
the teacher from funds earmarked for the purpose.  Special
education teachers initially hired by districts that have a
shortage of at least 5% of certificated personnel for special
education are eligible for an additional $2,000.  The department
is to develop criteria for determining which positions qualify
for the bonus.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated September 13, 2001 at 2:03 pm