Education - As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Teacher Residency Program Act." - Amends TCA Title 49.

SB 2156 establishes the "Tennessee Teacher Residency Program Act," creating a state-funded initiative to support residency programs where aspiring teachers complete a year of classroom training under mentor teachers. The program provides grants to cover up to $44,500 per teacher resident annually for program costs, stipends, and mentor support, with participating residents required to commit to teaching for three years in a Tennessee public school after licensure. Residency programs must include rigorous coursework, clinical apprenticeships, and evidence-based mentor training to meet grant eligibility. This program satisfies the clinical experience requirement for teacher licensure under existing Tennessee law.