An Act relative to teacher pathways and educator diversity

HD 1247 creates a paid teacher apprenticeship program for aspiring educators in Massachusetts public schools. Participants would earn a salary while completing an accelerated bachelor's degree in teaching fields, with wages increasing as they gain experience over a three-year apprenticeship. School districts must select and recommend candidates for the program, which the state education department is required to develop as a tuition-free initiative. The bill directly affects new educators seeking teaching careers, aiming to improve diversity by making entry into the profession more accessible through on-the-job training.