IL TEACHING EXCELLENCE PROGRAM

Amends the School Code. Provides that priority in the distribution of funds appropriated for the Illinois Teaching Excellence Program must be given to a qualified educator employed by an Organizational Unit assigned to Tier 1 under the evidence-based funding formula of the Code. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. With regard to the Illinois Teaching Excellence Program, provides that if adequate funds are available, incentives under the Program must include (i) a one-time incentive of $3,000 payable to National Board certified teachers teaching in Tier 1 rural or remote school districts, (ii) an annual incentive of $3,200 for National Board certified teacher rural or remote candidate cohort facilitators, and (iii) an annual incentive of $2,500 for National Board certified teacher rural or remote liaisons; defines terms. Makes the program applicable to qualified educators who are employed by or retired from schools districts (rather than just employed by school districts) and who are in the process of obtaining licensure through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Changes references of poverty or low-performing schools to Tier 1 school districts. Makes other changes.