Relating to the creation of the Texas Teacher Residency Partnership Program and a residency partnership allotment under the Foundation School Program.

HB 2780 creates the Texas Teacher Residency Partnership Program, establishing a structured pathway for new teachers to gain classroom experience through partnerships between school districts/charter schools and approved teacher training programs. It directly affects educator preparation programs, school districts, and prospective teachers (called "partnership residents") who will work under mentor teachers in pre-K-12 classrooms. The program requires residents to gradually increase teaching responsibilities - from observation to lead teaching - while participating programs must use research-based recruitment, integrate curriculum with practice, and use multiple assessments to track progress. School districts must meet specific requirements to join the program, and the bill also creates a dedicated funding allotment under the Foundation School Program to support these partnerships.