A bill for an act relating to the teach Iowa scholar program, including modifying eligibility provisions and establishing funding allocations.

This bill modifies Iowa's Teach Iowa Scholar program, which provides up to $4,000 annually (max $20,000 over five years) to teachers in STEM, ESL, special education, or hard-to-staff subjects. It removes the current requirement that applicants rank in the top 25% of their teacher preparation program. Instead, starting July 1, 2026, 20% of funds must go to teachers providing special education, and 50% to teachers in rural school districts (defined as districts with fewer than 1,000 students). These changes directly affect eligible teachers seeking program funding, shifting focus toward rural and special education roles.