Special education teacher pathway program modification to include related services providers

This bill modifies Minnesota's special education teacher pathway program to also include related services providers such as school counselors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and speech-language pathologists. It allows school districts and other educational entities to apply for grants to support these professionals in obtaining Tier 3 licensure through partnerships with accredited teacher preparation programs or colleges. Grant funds can be used for tuition assistance, stipends, mentoring, licensure test preparation, and recruitment, with priority given to helping current Tier 1 or Tier 2 licensed educators advance to Tier 3 status. The program requires annual reporting on participant numbers and fund usage, and includes provisions for equitable distribution of grants between greater Minnesota and metropolitan areas.