§18–2702.    IN EFFECT

    // EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2029 PER CHAPTER 627 OF 2023 //

    (a)    (1)    There is a Teacher Development and Retention Program.

        (2)    The Teacher Development and Retention Program is a pilot program designed to incentivize a cohort of students to pursue a career in the teaching profession.

    (b)    (1)    The purpose of the Program is to provide support to eligible individuals who ultimately pledge to fulfill a service obligation as a teacher employed full–time in a high–needs school, grade level, or content area in the State in which there is a shortage of teachers, as identified by the Department.

        (2)    The Program shall provide financial support to eligible individuals interested in pursuing a career in the teaching profession, beginning by offering eligible individuals a one–time stipend for participation in an experiential learning opportunity in a classroom and concluding by placing those individuals in high–needs schools, grade levels, or content areas.

    (c)    The Office shall establish eligibility criteria for the Program, including requirements for an applicant to:

        (1)    Be enrolled in the first or second year at an institution of initial eligibility in an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree program; and

        (2)    Before receiving an educator internship stipend under § 18–2703 of this subtitle, pledge to fulfill a service obligation as a teacher employed full–time in a high–needs school, grade level, or content area in which there is a shortage of teachers, as identified by the Department, for a minimum of 2 years.

    (d)    The Office shall administer the Program and establish a process for eligible individuals to apply to the Program.

    (e)    (1)    The Office shall develop a process for awarding stipends to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria for the Program.

        (2)    The Office shall give preference to applicants who have been employed in a public school or a publicly funded prekindergarten program within the last 5 years.