Subcommittee backs bill creating $3,000 stipend mentoring program for teachers in D/F schools

Representative Henson introduced House Bill 157, which would establish a Department of Education teacher training and mentoring program placing current and retired high‑performing classroom teachers in schools earning a D or F to mentor classroom teachers. Henson said mentors would act as neutral sounding boards, provide demonstrations and recommendations, and help increase teacher effectiveness and retention.

The bill authorizes school districts and charter schools to assign mentors and proposes a $3,000 stipend “to each mentor for each mentee,” Henson said during committee questions. She told the subcommittee the stipend would be paid from previously decategorized education enrichment allocations approved by the legislature last session.

Representative Overdorf and others pressed on the funding source and on whether mentoring would count as contracted time. Henson said mentors typically use planning time or before/after‑school time and that the stipend is not intended to change existing contracts. Representative McFarland asked whether outcomes would be tracked; Henson said staff recommended using a mentoring plan approved in prior legislation and that it will report outcomes back to the legislature.

The sponsor offered an amendment (barcode 039495) to correct contract language by providing a contract template rather than establishing a contract with the Department of Education; the amendment was adopted without objection. Laurie McCracken, an early‑learning center owner, offered brief pro forma support during public comment.

Ranking member Gant and other members praised Henson’s classroom experience and said mentoring could help first‑year teachers. Henson closed by citing research she said shows high‑quality, sustained mentoring improves instruction, increases teacher retention and can generate the equivalent of several months of additional student learning in some subjects.

After debate the subcommittee voted by roll call and reported House Bill 157, as amended, favorably.