Teacher leaders: advisory panel.

Existing law establishes the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to, among other things, establish professional standards, assessments, and examinations for entry and advancement in the education profession. This bill would require the commission to convene an advisory panel to explore the recognition of leadership roles within the teaching career pathway, as specified. The commission would be required to consider the findings of the advisory panel and report to the Governor and the Legislature on recommendations for the recognition of teacher leaders within one year of the advisory panel being convened. The bill would require the commission to use private funds to support the advisory panel, and would prohibit the use of General Fund moneys for this purpose. The bill would require the advisory panel to be convened only after the Department of Finance determines that private funds, in an amount sufficient to fully support the activities of the advisory panel, have been deposited with the state. The bill would require the department to file a written statement with specified persons that the determination has been made.