SB 18-085

Senate Bill 18-085, also known as "Financial Incentives for Education in Rural Areas," increases financial support for teachers working in rural Colorado schools. The bill expands the number of available stipends from 20 to 60 and broadens eligibility to include those pursuing alternative teaching licenses or completing certification requirements. Teachers must commit to at least three years of employment in a rural school district after receiving these incentives. Since it has been signed, this bill is now law and will provide more funding opportunities for educators in rural areas, helping to attract and retain qualified teachers there.

Official Summary

Current law allows the department of higher education to provide up to 20 financial stipends annually, not to exceed $6,000 each, to teachers in rural schools or school districts (rural schools) who are seeking certification as a national board certified teacher, seeking certification as a concurrent enrollment teacher, or furthering their professional development plan through continuing education, and who commit to employment in a rural school for a minimum of 3 years. The bill increases the number of available stipends to 60 and expands it to include teachers completing an approved alternative licensure program leading to initial licensure and full-time employment in a rural school or school district that serves rural schools and individuals completing the required course work leading to certification and employment in a rural school or a rural school district that serves rural schools. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More

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